The J-1 Scholar Visa Process

Faculty, to choose the most suitable visa category for your visitor, promptly consult your departmental contact upon extending an invitation to an international visitor.

Incoming Scholar, your departmental contact will be your main point of contact throughout the immigration process.  The departmental contact will initiate the J-1: Incoming Scholar Checklist below.

PRE-ARRIVAL TASKS: 

Program Information -- DEPARTMENT

Applicant Information -- SCHOLAR 

**Transfer in DS-2019 -- SCHOLAR

**Add J-2 Dependent -- SCHOLAR

Proof of English Proficiency -- SCHOLAR

Proof of Funding -- SCHOLAR

**Additional Documentation -- SCHOLAR or DEPARTMENT

NOTE: ** designates optional forms

Upon approval of all forms in this section, the DS-2019 is generated and the scholar schedules the visa appointment.

The individual must demonstrate sufficient finances per the charts below.  

PENN STATE FUNDING IS OFFERED:

The individual can receive compensation like any other instructor or researcher, provided the position is not permanent and meets financial guidelines.

Positions funded by Penn State must be advertised on the Penn State Jobs site to comply with Affirmative Action guidelines. Departments should liaise with their HR Strategic Partners and contact Affirmative Action for assistance.

PENN STATE FUNDING IS NOT OFFERED:

Proof of financial support is required to obtain a DS-2019. Funding sources can include:

personal funds,
family member funds,
institutional support,
government sponsorship, or
professional organizations. 

If a scholar will be receiving salary from the home institution, the funding document must explicitly state that “the salary will continue for the duration of the J-1 Program at Penn State.”

We can only accept documentation that has been generated in the last six (6) months.

All documentation must be in English or accompanied by a translation.

The figures provided below represent the minimum required amounts and do not align with the present cost of living. It is advisable for scholars to supplement these funds with additional savings or assistance from family to ensure a comfortable standard of living in this area.

All scholars applying for J-1 Exchange Visitor visas must meet U.S. State Department requirements for English proficiency, enabling them to engage effectively in their exchange programs and navigate daily life in the United States.

To fulfill this requirement, scholars should consult the list on the EPPIC website for documentation guidance. All scholars, regardless of nationality or document transfer status, must submit the Proof of English Proficiency form. Approved documentation is necessary to obtain a DS-2019.

HOME COUNTRY TASKS

Every scholar is obligated to complete the forms below before entering the United States.  

I-901 Fee Payment Confirmation -- SCHOLAR

**Amend or Cancel Program Dates -- DEPARTMENT

J-1 Visa Confirmation -- SCHOLAR

Confirm Travel Plans -- SCHOLAR 

Emergency Contact Information -- SCHOLAR

J-1 Scholar Training -- SCHOLAR

Medical Insurance -- SCHOLAR

** designates an optional form

ARRIVAL TASKS: Scholars must check-in with their departmental contact within three days of their program start date.  

Document Check-in -- DEPARTMENT

**Check in J-2 Dependent -- SCHOLAR or DEPARTMENT

A scholar will not be validated in SEVIS until all forms are complete.

**Form only applies if you have J-2 dependents.