J Exchange Visitor Program | Overview for J-1 Scholars and Student Interns
Purpose of the J Exchange Visitor Program
The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is an official program sponsor for the J Exchange Visitor Program as authorized by the Department of State. The broad purpose of the J program is to promote international educational and cultural exchange and to develop mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Under the Department of State’s authorization, the University of Colorado Denver can offer prospective exchange visitors opportunities for study, teaching and research.
A prospective J-1 scholar or student intern must be invited by a faculty member or offered employment by the university and the host unit will initiate the request for Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-nonimmigrant).
Overview of Process, Timeline and Costs for a New and Transfer J-1 Scholar and Student Intern
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Step 1 of 5
Unit submits request
The HR business partner prepares and submits the request to ISSS at least 2–3 months before the proposed start date for someone outside the U.S., and at least 1 month before for a J-1 transfer.
- Timeline
- HR Business Partner1–3 weeks
- Cost
- None
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Step 2 of 5
ISSS reviews request
ISSS reviews the department request and confirms it is complete.
- Timeline
- ISSS10 business days after receiving a complete request. Excludes weekends, Denver campus holidays, and unplanned campus closures.
- Cost
- None
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Step 3 of 5
ISSS issues Form DS-2019
If the request is complete, ISSS issues Form(s) DS-2019 and emails them directly to the prospective scholar or student intern.
- Timeline
- ISSS10 business days after receiving a complete request. Excludes weekends, Denver campus holidays, and unplanned campus closures.
- Cost
- None
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Step 4 of 5
Scholar or student intern applies for visa
The scholar or student intern applies for a J-1 visa at the U.S. Consulate and schedules their interview.
Canadian and Bermudan citizens are exempt from the visa requirement. A J scholar or student intern transferring from another sponsor may need to apply to USCIS for an extension of stay (EOS) instead - See Filing for Extension of Stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Timeline
- U.S. ConsulateVaries greatly by location. Check visa appointment wait times.
- Costs
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- $220 SEVIS fee — paid by the scholar/student intern or host unit (J transfers exempt)
- $185 machine-readable visa fee — paid by the scholar/student intern or host unit, if coming from outside the U.S.
- $420 online or $470 paper — J transfer EOS filing with USCIS
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Step 5 of 5
Scholar or student intern arranges travel and arrives
The scholar or student intern makes their own travel arrangements and arrives at the university to begin their program.
J scholar or student intern monitors pending EOS application.
- Timeline
- Scholar or internVaries
- Cost
- Travel is paid by the scholar, student intern, or host unit
J-1 Category | J-1 Activity | Maximum Duration for Category* |
Research Scholar | research, observe, or consult and the possibility to teach or lecture (can include MDs with no patient contact/care) | 3 weeks to 5 years |
Professor | teach, lecture, observe, or consult and the possibility to research (can include MDs with no patient contact/care) | 3 weeks to 5 years |
Short-term Scholar | lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills (can include MDs with no patient contact/care) | Up to 6 months with no extensions |
Specialist | observe, consult, or demonstrate special knowledge or skills | 3 weeks to 1 year |
Student Intern | Undergraduate research or training | 3 weeks to 1 year |
Alien physician (administered by GME, not ISSS) | Medical residency or fellowship | Up to 7 years |
* The maximum duration for a J-1 category does not replace university policy on appointment time limits. See below:
- Equal Pay for Equal Work Act Posting Guidance for Visiting
Faculty Appointments
- Maximum appointment of 9 months (Denver) or one year (Anschutz)and where conversion to a regular appointment is not expected.
- When visiting positions are posted, appointment is limited to 2 academic years (Denver) and 2 years (Anschutz).
- Policy for Research Postdoctoral Fellows-Trainees
- Maximum of five years of postdoctoral experience
- Petition the dean of the school/college in which the faculty member has their primary appointment for an extension
The university uses the J-1 categories for postdoctoral appointments, paid visiting appointments, and unpaid visiting invitations.
- Tenured Positions: J-1 Exchange Visitors may not hold tenured or tenure-eligible faculty positions.
- Patient Contact and Care: Only J-1 Exchange Visitors in the alien physician category who are formally enrolled in a Graduate Medical Education program and sponsored by the Education Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) can have direct patient contact or patient care responsibilities. J-1 scholars in other categories may not touch any patient or provide patient care. Failure to comply risks the J-1 scholar’s status and the University’s authority to sponsor the J-1 program.
- Bars to Repeat Participation
- In-Person Requirement
- Minimum Financial Support and Cost of Living
- English Language Proficiency
- Two-year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement
Next Steps
Before Arrival in the U.S.
Here are the steps you must take to become a J-1 scholar or student intern as well as important information about the immigration process and resources.
Arrival in the U.S.
Here you will find important information about entering the U.S., the required orientation and getting settled in Colorado.
International Student & Scholar Services
International Students
CU Denver
Student Commons Building
1201 Larimer Street
Suite 1119
Denver, CO 80204
International Scholars
CU Denver
Lawrence Street Center
1380 Lawrence Street
Suite 932
Denver, CO 80204
International Students & Scholars
CU Anschutz
Fitzsimons Building
13001 East 17th Place
Ground Floor: STE. EG305, EG305A, and EG306
Aurora, CO 80045
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