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Visa Document Process for Scholars Coming to Stanford

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J-1 Scholars and Visiting Researchers

Departments are responsible for requesting a DS-2019 from Bechtel International Center for the person they are sponsoring for a J-1 Scholar or Visiting Researcher position. Once Bechtel issues the DS-2019, the Stanford department is notified to pick up the document and mail it to you. You use the DS-2019 to apply for a J-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country (i.e., country of citizenship or permanent residence). 

Canadian citizens do not need to apply for a visa but must pay the SEVIS fee.

H-1B / O-1 Employees

Departments are responsible for submitting applications to Bechtel for the person they are sponsoring for an H-1B or O-1 visa. Once your application has been approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Stanford department is notified to pick up the documents and mail them to you. You use the documents to apply for an H-1B or O-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country (i.e., country of citizenship or permanent residence).

Visa Information for Dependents

You should request a DS-2019 for each dependant who will travel/stay with you at the same time as your initial request is submitted. After receiving your approved documents, you and your dependents should apply for the visa at the same time from a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country (i.e., country of citizenship or permanent residence). If you cannot apply at the same time, the dependent can apply later. 

  • Legally married same-sex partners are permitted to apply for dependent-based visas.
  • Unfortunately, immigration regulations prohibit issuing J-2 dependent-based visas to cohabitating partners. Cohabitating partners can apply for a B-2 visa.
  • J-2 visa holders are allowed to attend school full-time.