J-1 Scholars

Cal State LA welcomes international faculty, researchers, and other qualified professionals who come to the University to participate in teaching, research, observation, consultation, and other educational and cultural exchange activities.

Cal State LA is designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor eligible participants in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) administers the University's J-1 program and issues Form DS-2019 for approved exchange visitors.

J-1 Scholar Categories

Depending on the purpose and length of the proposed visit, Cal State LA may sponsor eligible exchange visitors in the following categories:

Professor

For eligible individuals whose primary activities may include teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at Cal State LA.

Research Scholar

For eligible individuals whose primary activities may include research, observation, or consultation in connection with a research project at Cal State LA.

Short-Term Scholar

For eligible professors, researchers, or individuals with similar education or experience coming to Cal State LA for a short-term academic activity. The Short-Term Scholar category is limited to a maximum of six months.

The appropriate J-1 category is determined by ISSO based on the visitor's proposed activities, qualifications, program length, and applicable federal regulations.

Faculty Sponsorship Is Required

Prospective visiting scholars must have a Cal State LA faculty member or academic unit willing to serve as the University's host for the proposed visit. ISSO does not independently match prospective scholars with faculty sponsors.

Prospective scholars should first identify and communicate with an appropriate Cal State LA faculty member or academic department whose academic or research interests align with the proposed activity.

A faculty member's willingness to host a scholar does not by itself constitute approval for J-1 sponsorship. The proposed visit must complete the applicable University review and approval process before ISSO can issue a Form DS-2019.

Starting a Visiting Scholar Request

Faculty and academic units interested in hosting an international visiting scholar should contact ISSO as early as possible. Because academic approvals, immigration review, visa processing, and international travel may require significant time, requests should be initiated well in advance of the proposed program start date.

ISSO will provide the current instructions and documentation requirements for the proposed visit. Required documentation generally includes information about:

• The prospective scholar's identity and immigration history
• Academic and professional qualifications
• The purpose and activities of the proposed visit
• The Cal State LA faculty or academic host
• Program dates and location of activities
• Financial support for the scholar and any accompanying dependents
• English-language proficiency

Additional documentation may be required depending on the individual case and J-1 category.

After University Approval

After the proposed visit has completed the required University approvals and ISSO has determined that the visitor is eligible for J-1 sponsorship, ISSO will create the exchange visitor's SEVIS record and issue Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status.

ISSO will provide the visiting scholar with information about the next steps, including the SEVIS I-901 fee, applying for a J-1 visa when required, travel to the United States, and arrival at Cal State LA.

Health Insurance Requirement

J-1 exchange visitors and any accompanying J-2 dependents are required to maintain qualifying health insurance throughout their participation in the Exchange Visitor Program.

Federal minimum coverage requirements currently include:

• At least $100,000 in medical benefits per accident or illness
• $25,000 for repatriation of remains
• $50,000 for medical evacuation to the exchange visitor's home country
• A deductible not exceeding $500 per accident or illness

ISSO will provide current information about Cal State LA's insurance requirements and approved coverage options as part of the J-1 sponsorship process.

Arrival and Mandatory Check-In

J-1 scholars must complete the required ISSO check-in process after arriving in the United States and beginning their program at Cal State LA.

The scholar's SEVIS record must be validated after arrival. Scholars should follow the check-in instructions provided by ISSO and contact the office immediately if their arrival will be delayed or their plans change.

Maintaining J-1 Status

During the program, J-1 scholars are responsible for complying with the requirements of their exchange visitor status. These responsibilities include:

• Participating in the activities described in the approved J-1 program
• Maintaining a valid Form DS-2019
• Maintaining a valid passport
• Maintaining required health insurance for themselves and any J-2 dependents
• Engaging only in employment or activities authorized under the J-1 program
• Keeping ISSO informed of changes to U.S. address and contact information
• Obtaining ISSO approval before changes to program activities or locations when required
• Informing ISSO of an early departure or other significant change to the program

Contact ISSO before making changes that could affect the scholar's J-1 status or SEVIS record.

Program Extensions

Scholars who may need additional time to complete their approved exchange activities should contact ISSO well before the end date shown on their Form DS-2019.

Eligibility for an extension depends on the J-1 category, the scholar's circumstances, applicable federal regulations, and any requirements resulting from the new Duration of Status rule.

Review the latest Duration of Status information 

J-2 Dependents

An eligible spouse and unmarried children under age 21 may accompany a J-1 exchange visitor in J-2 status. ISSO can issue separate Forms DS-2019 for eligible dependents.

Additional financial documentation and proof of the family relationship may be required. J-2 dependents are also subject to the Exchange Visitor Program's health insurance requirements.

Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement

Some J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents may become subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Whether the requirement applies depends on factors such as government funding, participation in graduate medical education or training, and the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Skills List.

Review the current U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Skills List 

Information for Cal State LA Faculty and Departments

Faculty members and academic units considering hosting an international visiting scholar should contact ISSO before making commitments concerning immigration sponsorship, program dates, employment, compensation, or other immigration-related matters.

ISSO will provide current guidance regarding the University's visiting scholar approval process, J-1 eligibility, required documentation, SEVIS processing, and responsibilities of the faculty or academic host.