Restrictions & Bars for Current J-1 Scholars

The length of time that an individual may remain in the United States in exchange visitor status is determined by the general limitations for each category:

• Alien Physician – maximum 7 years;
• Research Scholar or Professor – maximum 5 years;
• Short Term Scholar – maximum 6 months;
• Student-Intern - maximum 12 months;
• Specialist—18 months.

In addition, your stay is limited by the length of time needed to complete your objective.

Please refer to the DS-2019, Page 1, Item 4, to determine the category of your J visa status; and Page 2, Item 1(c), to determine your category’s time limitation. Feel free to consult with an International Services Specialist if you need further clarification.

If you will need to stay longer than the date shown on your Form DS-2019, you will need to request an extension of your J-1 sponsorship through your department, if an extension is possible.

To avoid any interruption in your program, it is your responsibility to check your immigration documents periodically and request an extension of stay in a timely manner. (Short term scholars are only allowed a maximum 6 month stay.)

Please discuss your need for an extension of your J program with your department far enough in advance to ensure that their Extension Request letter and your accompanying materials are received by the International Student Scholar Services unit at least 1 month prior to the program end date on your DS-2019. We will need to verify that you have adequate funding and appropriate insurance coverage for the additional time period.

Time spent in the U.S. as a J-1 Exchange Visitor or J-2 dependent might impact your eligibility for future J-1 status in the “Research Scholar” or “Professor” categories.

To be eligible for future sponsorship in one of these categories, you must show that you have not participated in and concluded a program in either of these categories within the 24 month period preceding the start date of the new program.

Exchange Visitors not subject to the 24-month bar could still be subject to the 12-month bar. See http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/professor-and-research-scholar/ for more details.

Time spent in the U.S. as a J-1 Exchange Visitor or J-2 dependent might impact your eligibility for future J-1 status in the “Research Scholar” or “Professor” categories.

The 12-Month Bar is placed on any scholar that has been in any other J-1 category for more than 6 month. If the most recent category is Research Scholar or Professor, see the information on the 24 month Bar.

To be eligible for future sponsorship in one of these categories, you must show that you have not participated in and concluded a program in either of these categories within the 12 month period preceding the start date of the new program.

See http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/professor-and-research-scholar/ for more details.

Please see the full page on 212(e) information.