J-1 status is appropriate for visiting researchers and professors coming to Illinois Tech for short to medium durations of time. Those on J-1 status are called J-1 Exchange Visitors. Students are also eligible for the J-1 status if they are coming as visiting/exchange or degree-seeking students. Students work with Illinois Tech Admission's Offices while scholars work directly with Illinois Tech host departments.
The J-1 visa category was created "to increase mutual understanding between people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges." -U.S. Department of State.
J-1 Status Suitability
Scholars
Visiting researchers, professors, and lecturers
Students
Visiting/exchange and degree-seeking
J-1 Scholars
The Illinois Tech host department collects information from the prospective J-1 visitor and submits the request forms and supporting documents to the International Center. The request is reviewed by the International Center and a DS-2019 is produced for the individual.
J-1 Scholar Request - Host Department
J-1 Exchange Visitors (EV) may receive a salary or stipend from various parties. They can receive funding from Illinois Tech, the government, private organizations, their current place of employment (outside the United States), or personal funds but the funding must meet the current living-expense requirement. This requirement is currently $1,400/month or $16,800/year and does not include child care or health care costs.
According to J-1 U.S. Department of State regulations, all EVs must maintain sufficient health insurance during the duration of their J-1 status.
Within the J-1 status there are several J-1 scholar categories. Each category has its own requirements and restrictions. The International Center will work with the departments to determine what category best fits the program.
| J-1 Category | Purpose | Time limitations | Restrictions | Illinois Tech Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Short-term Scholar |
Research, lecture, observe, consult, or train |
Six months maximum duration |
Cannot extend program beyond six months |
Visiting researcher, research associate, visiting scholar |
|
Research Scholar |
Research, observe, or consult in connection with a research project |
Three weeks to five years |
Repeat participation prohibited: Cannot return to the U.S. for two years in research/professor category. Prior participation: Not eligible to begin a new program if visitor was present in any J status for all or part of the 12-month period preceding the anticipated begin date at IIT. The IC will assist with determining if these restrictions apply. |
Visiting researcher, senior research associate, research associate, visiting scholar |
|
Professor |
Primarily to teach |
Three weeks to five years |
Repeat participation prohibited: Cannot return to the U.S. for two years in research/professor category. Prior participation: Not eligible to begin a new program if visitor was present in any J status for all or part of the 12 month period preceding the anticipated begin date at IIT. The IC will assist with determining if these restrictions apply. |
Visiting professor |
Processing Times
Requests should be submitted to the International Center in early as possible, so that we may issue the DS-2019, which is used to apply for a J-1 entry visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad. While in most cases the International Center will process the request and issue the DS-2019 within three weeks of receipt, delays in visa processing overseas are not uncommon. Therefore, we strongly advise that J-1 requests and required documentation be submitted to our office at least three months in advance of the J-1 scholar’s anticipated start date at IIT. Please note that in some instances visa processing may take longer.