International Students & Scholars Office
Visiting Scholars (J-1)
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. 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. This 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.
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:
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.
University Insurance Requirement
Health Insurance for J-1 Scholars
Cal State LA-sponsored J-1 scholars must purchase and maintain the University-approved international student and scholar health insurance plan for the applicable period of their J-1 program unless ISSO has approved a qualifying government-sponsored insurance exception.
Private domestic or international insurance policies cannot ordinarily be substituted for the required University-approved plan, even when another policy appears to provide comparable or greater medical benefits.
Federal J-1 Insurance Requirements
Federal Exchange Visitor Program regulations require J-1 exchange visitors to maintain insurance that provides at least:
Federal regulations also establish standards concerning the organization underwriting the insurance coverage.
The University-Approved Plan Is Required
Cal State LA uses one approved insurance program to provide consistent coverage and allow the University to verify that required insurance remains active throughout the J-1 program.
A scholar may maintain additional insurance if desired, but additional coverage does not replace the required University-approved plan unless ISSO has approved a qualifying government-sponsored insurance exception.
Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk operates the enrollment portal and supports administration of Cal State LA's approved international student and scholar health insurance program.
Federal insurance requirements also apply to accompanying spouses and children in J-2 status. J-1 scholars are responsible for ensuring that each J-2 dependent maintains qualifying coverage and should follow the dependent-insurance instructions provided by ISSO.
Review Health Insurance Requirements and Enrollment Instructions
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.
Getting Established in Los Angeles
Visiting scholars and accompanying family members can use our Living in Los Angeles guide to learn about neighborhoods, transportation, everyday services, local culture, events, beaches, Southern California travel, outdoor recreation, safety, and practical tools for making Los Angeles home during your stay.
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:
Before making a change: Contact ISSO if the change could affect your 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, and applicable federal regulations. ISSO will review the request and advise the scholar and host department about any additional requirements.
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.
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.
Questions or Visiting Scholar Requests
Faculty members, academic units, and prospective visiting scholars with questions about a new visiting scholar request should contact the Director of the International Programs Office.
Current J-1 scholars may also use this contact for questions about their existing Cal State LA visiting scholar program.