J-1 Scholar Information

1. Processing Time
   • Submit the DS-2019 request to International Student Services at iss@unk.edu, labeled as a J-1 Request at least 12 weeks prior to the desired start date to allow time for visa processing.
     • Standard Form DS-2019 processing time is 2 weeks, provided the request form is fully completed with all required documents.
2. Required Documentation
   • All required documents must be submitted before ISS begins processing the DS-2019 request. This ensures the exchange visitor's immigration status is maintained.
   • Departments must submit:
     • DS-2019 Request Form
     • Department Invitation Letter (must be on department letterhead and must include: appointment start and end dates, description of research activities, courses to be taught, any intended collaboration outside of UNK – including UNMC, if department will provide Health Insurance, and if UNK will fund scholar)
     • Scholar’s Passport Biographical page (passport photo page)
     • Dependent(s) passport photo page, if applicable
     • English Language Proficiency
     • All relevant status documents (if currently inside the United States):
       • F Status: all I-20s issued and EAD card(s) for OPT, if applicable
       • J Status: all DS-2019s, waiver of 212e two year home residency, if applicable
     • Financial Support (if UNK employee, then HR offer letter. If non-UNK employee, letter documenting outside funding)
       • Funding must meet ISS minimum requirements and cover the entire requested period for the exchange visitor and any dependents.
       • General institutional support is NOT considered government funding unless designated for an international exchange program.
       • Government research grants not intended for individual support should be categorized as "funds from UNK."
       • If the exchange visitor receives a salary from UNK research funds, list UNK as the funding source and specify the total amount for the full DS-2019 period.
       • If not funded by UNK, submit financial documentation, such as:
         • Personal bank statement or award letter
         • Must include the full name of the exchange visitor
         • Issued within the last 6 months
         • Written or translated into English
         • Amount specified in U.S. currency
3. Extensions Beyond Maximum Duration
   • If the exchange visitor is subject to the 212(e) Home Residency Requirement, an extension cannot be granted after a waiver is recommended by the Department of State (DOS).
   • Requests for extension beyond 3 years must be submitted at least 90 days before the 3-year limit and include:
     • DS-2019 Request Form
     • Copies of all required documents
     • Supervisor’s Letter on Department Letterhead, stating The reason for the extension (e.g., to complete research or a project)
       • Exceptional circumstances requiring an extension
       • The visitor’s role in the research project
       • Their potential contribution if an extension is granted
   • ISS must submit the extension request to DOS at least 60 days before the 3-year limit expires.

All exchange visitors who are issued Form DS-2019s for the purpose of either “begin a new program” or “transfer” are required to check-in at ISS in order to fully comply with DOS and SEVIS requirements. This check-in and orientation will need to take place when you arrive to UNK’s campus.

• Departments must communicate regularly with the exchange visitor and notify ISS immediately if the visitor’s arrival is delayed and the DS-2019 start date needs to be amended.
• ISS must validate the exchange visitor’s SEVIS record within 30 days of the program start date listed on the DS-2019.
• This only applies to exchange visitors under:
  • "Begin a new program"
  • "Transfer"

Consequences of Non-Validation

• If the SEVIS record is not validated within 30 days, it will automatically become inactive.
• The exchange visitor will be in violation of their program status and possibly their nonimmigrant status.
• The visitor must leave the U.S. immediately and may need to re-enter the U.S. if eligible.

Validation Process

• SEVIS record validation is completed by ISS after the exchange visitor attends the mandatory check-in program.

If the exchange visitor discontinues his/her J-1 program with a department, the department must notify ISS because ISS is required to report the event to SEVIS. In addition, departments need to notify ISS if an exchange visitor leaves the J-1 program more than 30 days before the end date on the Form DS-2019.

Upon successful completion of the J-1 program, the exchange visitor will have an additional 30 days to remain in the U.S. though he/she may not be employed during this 30-day grace period. The 30-day grace period is intended for purposes of traveling within the U.S., packing, and preparing to depart the U.S.

• J-2 dependents include the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a J-1 exchange visitor.
• Each J-2 dependent requires their own Form DS-2019 to apply for a J-2 visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate and to enter the U.S.
• If a J-1 visitor's dependents will accompany them, the dependent section on the DS-2019 request form must be completed so ISS can prepare DS-2019s for each dependent.

Work & Study Authorization

• J-2 dependents are not automatically authorized to work but can apply for work authorization from USCIS.
• Employment is only allowed after approval of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
• J-2 dependents can study in the U.S. without restrictions.

Status Termination

• A J-2 dependent’s status ends when the J-1 exchange visitor's program ends.