OVERVIEW
The J-1 Visa is specifically aimed towards visitors engaged in short-term work and study exchange-based programs in the United States. According to the United States Department of State Exchange Visitor website: “The Exchange Visitor Program allows foreign nationals to teach, lecture, study, observe, conduct research, consult, train or demonstrate special skills.”
For Kierkegaard Scholars, the most important J-1 Exchange Program is the short-term scholar program, in which allows “international visitors, professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, specialists, summer work travelers, teachers, trainees and high school, college and university students” to travel to the United States on a short-term visit for to lecture, observe, consult, train or demonstrate special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited academic institutions or similar types of institutions. Lasting no more than six months, a J-1 short-term scholar program allows academic and research scholars with the appropriate education to participate in nearly all United States educational opportunities. These involve laboratory research, lecture and consultation, and institutional resources.
In order to apply for a J-1 Visa, applicants must find and contact a designated sponsor; in this case, St. Olaf College. Sponsors are responsible for screening applicants for eligibility issues, providing participants with pre-arrival and orientation information, and overseeing the well-being of participants during their time in the United States. Applicants are responsible for guaranteeing English language proficiency, minimum benefit level medical insurance carriage for themselves and any J-2 dependents, and all required program, SEVIS, and visa fees.
For more information, please visit the Social Security Administration web page detailing International Exchange Visitors.
VISITOR CATAGORIES INCLUDE
- Professor and Research Scholar: A pre- or post-doctorate professor and/or research scholar coming to the U.S. with the purpose of observing, or consulting in connection with a research project. The individual may teach or lecture at university if he or she is a professor. Maximum stay is 5 years.
- Short-term Scholar: a professor, research scholar, pre- or post-doctorate, graduate student, or person with similar education or accomplishments coming to the U.S. on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or to demonstrating special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary educational institutions. Maximum stay is 6 months.
More information concerning the above details and the eligibility of secondary school, college, university students in acquiring a J-1 visa endorsement is available on the U.S. Department of State J-1 visa web page.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) issued by your program sponsor
- Other supporting documents – check the specific embassy or consulate website
- Passport valid for travel to the United States
- Completed Online Form DS-160, nonimmigrant visa application
- Fee receipt showing payment of the $140 visa application fee
- 2×2 photograph, meeting format requirements
The State Department website contains a step-by-step checklist of the documents necessary for the J-1 visa.
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
In order to complete the DS-2019 necessary for obtaining a J-1 Visa, St. Olaf College must receive the following supplemental documents:
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Copy of passport biographical page (also required for dependents)
- Proof of adequate funding (if it comes from a source other than the department)
- Required, completed J-1 Visitor Form (contact Eileen Shimota for a blank form)
- Proof of language proficiency completed by Professor Gordon Marino
For more information, please access the United States Government J-1 Visa Website.
Every effort has been made to update the information above, but keep in mind that State Department policies are subject to change without notice.