J-1 CATEGORIES
The J-1 status includes many different categories that allow for employment opportunities. In addition, participants in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program are allowed to come based on other funding sources: personal, government and international organizations, such as the Fulbright Commission.
Processing Fees: International Student & Scholars Services (ISSS) charges a fee for the processing of a DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status for all categories, except J-1 student academic training. The fee may be paid either by the department or the J-1 Exchange Visitor, but payment must be processed through a JV. (Note: Fees cannot be charged to grants.)
$196 Initial DS-2019 for Research Scholars, Professors, Short-term Scholars, Specialists, Trainees and Student Interns
$147 Extension of DS-2019
$106 Summer Work/Travel DS-2019
Below is a brief summary of J-1 categories approved by the Exchange Visitor Program for the University of Kentucky:
Research Scholar and/or Professor
(i.e. postdoctoral scholars/fellows, visiting scholars, research associates, etc.) This category is intended for individuals who come primarily to conduct research, teach or lecture. Under most circumstances, they are allowed to remain in the US for a maximum period of 5 years.
There is a two-year bar on repeat participation. This means that when their program is completed, they are not allowed to return again as J-1 Research Scholars or Professors for a period of two years. They can, however, return in another visa status or another J-1 category such as Short-Term Scholar. For departmental instructions, click here.
Short Term Scholar
This is intended for individuals who will be here a maximum duration of six months to conduct research, to teach or observe. There can be no extensions granted beyond six months. The Short-Term Scholar is not subject to the two-year bar on repeat participation, as are research scholars and professors. For departmental instructions, click here.
Specialist
This is an expert in the field of a specialized knowledge or skill who comes for the purpose of observing, consulting or demonstrating his or her expertise (i.e. artist, athlete, visiting coach). The duration of this category is one year with no possibility of an extension. For departmental instructions, click here.
Summer Work Travel
This category is intended for foreign students enrolled at post-secondary academic institutions outside the US who are coming to be employed in the US during their summer break. It requires students to be full-time when applying to participate, but those who will have graduated at the time of the participation are also eligible. The maximum duration of this category is four months, without a possibility of an extension. For departmental instructions, click here.
Student Academic Training
This is employment related to a student’s field of study and may be used anytime during his or her program but is generally utilized after graduation. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree are eligible for a total of 18 months of Academic Training. Doctoral graduates receive an additional 18 months, allowing them a maximum of 36 months. The hiring department provides a job offer letter to the student so the J-1 sponsor can authorize the employment. Therefore, there are no applications or fees that must be filed with the US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). There is also no ISSS processing fee. For information, contact Franny Henkel or William Arnold.
Student Interns
Student intern program participants come to the United States to pursue a structured and guided work-based internship program in their specific academic field. Prior work experience is not required. Click here for more information.