J-1 Scholars Policy

This policy explains the rules, eligibility requirements, and compliance obligations for hosting and maintaining J-1 scholar status at UNC-Chapel Hill. It is meant to help scholars and hosting units understand the immigration, reporting, travel, insurance, employment, and program-end requirements tied to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.

University Policy

Title

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Policy on J-1 Scholars

Introduction

Purpose

This policy explains the rules, eligibility requirements, and compliance obligations for hosting and maintaining J-1 scholar status at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ("UNC-Chapel Hill"). It is meant to help scholars and hosting units understand the immigration, reporting, travel, insurance, employment, and program-end requirements tied to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.

Scope

The information in this section pertains to international scholars who are planning to visit or are currently visiting UNC-Chapel Hill in J-1 status.

Policy

Description of J-1 Program

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to promote the international educational exchange of expertise and to stimulate collaborative teaching and research efforts. Exchange Visitors are approved to enter the United States for a specific purpose and for a limited period. Therefore, DOS will not allow an Exchange Visitor to change category and limits the length of time in the U.S. to minimum and maximum time periods.

Eligibility Criteria for J-1 Scholars:

• Primary activity is research and/or teaching – not to enroll in or audit classes
  • Temporary (non-immigrant) intention
  • No tenure track appointments
  • No patient contact or care
• J-1 scholars must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the field of research/teaching they are being invited to participate in
• J-1 scholars must meet the minimum funding requirement
  • Currently $2,000 per month (+ additional funding for any J-2 dependents)
  • If the Hosting Unit charges a fee, minimum must be met with the fee added to the total
• J-1 scholars and any J-2 dependents must maintain health insurance that meets the Department of State’s requirements
• J-1 scholars must meet one of the objective methods of English proficiency listed in the English Language Proficiency for J-1 Scholar.
• New J-1 Exchange Visitor Requests must be submitted to ISSS via the ISSS Portal at least three months prior to the proposed start date

UNC-Chapel Hill is designated to sponsor scholars in the following categories of the Exchange Visitor Program:

Scholars should read the entire Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-2019 page 1 and 2) carefully to be sure they understand all the conditions governing Exchange Visitors. Attention should be paid to page 2, items 1(a) and 1(c).

Please see the following information on the Department of State’s website about the Wilberforce Pamphlet on the Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/temporary-workers.html

Maintaining J-1 Status

All nonimmigrants in the U.S. are responsible for maintaining their own lawful nonimmigrant status. Failure to do so can result in severe consequences. The foreign national is responsible for understanding the laws and regulations that pertain to his/her status. The staff at ISSS is available to assist UNC-CH nonimmigrants in understanding their rights and responsibilities. However, it is up to the nonimmigrant to make the request to discuss their questions.

To maintain J-1 status, all the following changes must be reported to ISSS:

Address Change

You must report a change of residential address to ISSS using the Update US Address and Phone e-form in the ISSS portal within 10 days of the move. The address reported should be an actual physical address, not a department address or P.O. Box. Any changes in contact information such as email address and phone number must also be reported to ISSS.

Changes in Legal Name

You, and your J-2 dependent family members, must report any change of legal name to ISSS within 10 days of the change.

Changes to J-1 EV Program

Any proposed change must be reviewed and approved by ISSS before the change can go into effect. Scholars should work with the Hosting Unit Contact for their Hosting Unit to ensure that J-1 Exchange Visitor Update requests are submitted to ISSS in the ISSS Portal at least two months prior to the proposed change. Changes to the J-1 program include, but are not limited to:

Site of Activity Change

Scholars must report additions to, or changes in, work site (location where work will be conducted) before that change takes place. The report must be made through the ISSS portal two months prior to the change. 

Change of Funding

Any changes in funding, including increases or decreases to current sources of funding, must be reported to ISSS at least two months prior to the proposed change.

Change of Title/Job Duties

All changes in your job title or changes to your research responsibilities must be reported to ISSS at least two months prior to the change.

Change in Faculty Mentor/PI/Lab

Must be reported to ISSS at least two months prior to the change.

Form DS-2019

The Form DS-2019, “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status” is your primary immigration document. It provides an overview of your J-1 program and reflects pertinent information from your SEVIS record. All J-2 dependents will receive their own DS-2019 and a SEVIS number.

It is important that you carry proof of your immigration status with you at all times. You can review information on maintaining your immigration documents and records on the ISSS website.

If you have any questions about your J-1 program, please submit the Questions for ISSS e-form in the ISSS Portal.

Mandatory Medical Insurance

J-1 Exchange Visitor Program participants and their dependents are required by the U.S. Department of State to have medical insurance in effect during the period they are in the program. This includes any time spent outside of the U.S. during the program period. Minimum coverage requirements pursuant to Federal Regulations [22 CFR 62.14] are listed below for reference.

Minimum Coverage Requirements

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness;
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;
• Expenses associated with medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000;
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions after a reasonable waiting period as determined by current industry standards
• Underwriting by an insurance corporation with an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A-I” or above, a Standard and Poor’s Claims Paying Ability rating of “A-” or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above; or backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country

Please note: The State Health Plan of North Carolina (i.e. 70/30 plan, 8/20 plan, etc.) for certain UNC employees does NOT meet the Department of State requirements for participants in the J Exchange Visitor Program.

J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents may meet the health insurance requirement in one of three ways:

1. Postdoc Medical Insurance Plan - available to eligible postdocs at UNC-Chapel Hill

The insurance plan offered to UNC’s Postdoctoral Scholar employees meets and exceeds the U.S. Department of State’s requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents. More information regarding this plan and the enrollment process can be found on the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs website.

New Postdocs: Enrollment in the Postdoc Medical Insurance Plan begins the first day of the month following your appointment start date. For example, if your postdoc position begins on January 15th, your Postdoc Medical Insurance policy will begin on February 1st. You must make sure that you have alternative insurance coverage for the period before your Postdoc Medical Insurance Plan begins.

Alternative insurance options for yourself or your dependent(s) can be found in the sections below.

2. BCBS Global Solutions Insurance Coverage

UNC has contracted with the insurance company, BCBS Global Solutions, to provide our visitors a health insurance option that exceeds the U.S. Department of State’s requirements for J-1/J-2 visitors. Please see the instructions below if you wish to enroll yourself (and your dependents) in coverage.

• Go to https://bcbsglobalsolutions.com/schools/students/
• Click the “Self-enroll in group plan” button under “Need to self-enroll?”
• Enter UNC’s group access code, SKN-627, in the box under the section labeled “Do you have a self enrollment code?”
• Follow the prompts to complete the enrollment process
• The coverage period cannot exceed 12 months. If your program is more than 12 months, you will need to renew your policy toward the end of the 12-month period.
• Once you enroll, you will receive an email from GeoBlue with instruction on how to register with their website. Please be sure to register, login, print your new ID card, and provide a copy to ISSS.

A brochure of the BCBS Global Solutions insurance plan with coverage details can be viewed on this webpage.  More information on the Department of State’s health insurance requirement for J-1 exchange visitors can be found online in the J-1 Scholar Welcome Handout on the ISSS website.

3. Private Insurance

If you prefer to use a company other than GeoBlue for you and your dependents’ health insurance coverage, you must have that insurance company complete an Insurance Certification form for you (and your J-2 dependents) confirming that the coverage meets all of the Department of State’s requirements.

Employment

J-1 Exchange Visitors are restricted to employment in the specific field listed in item #4 of their Form DS-2019 and to the sponsoring institution whose U.S. address is listed in item #1 on the DS-2019.

Notify ISSS at least two months in advance of any proposed changes to your appointment with UNC-CH, including (but not limited to): 

• Funding sources/Funding Amount
• Hosting Unit
• FM/PI/Lab
• Title/Affiliation with the University
• Research/Teaching activities
• Job duties
• Sites of activity

J-1 Exchange Visitors should work with their Hosting Unit to ensure that a J-1 Exchange Visitor Update Request is submitted to ISSS at least 2 months prior to any proposed changes to their J-1 EV Program.

Occasional lectures or consultations

J-1 Professors or Research Scholars may be eligible for authorization to receive payment or reimbursement for participation in occasional lectures or short-term consultations if certain conditions are met:

• The research or teaching is directly related to the J-1 program activities and field of research in item #4 of the scholar’s Form DS-2019
• The activity is incidental to the J-1 program (single events that are occasional in nature, not an ongoing activity) and will not change the primary focus of the visit
• The activity does not interfere with or delay the completion date of the J-1 scholar’s program.
• The activity is approved in writing by the Faculty Mentor

 J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to obtain written authorization in advance from ISSS before engaging in any occasional lectures or consultations. J-1 scholars should submit a Questions for ISSS e-form in the ISSS Portal at least one month prior to the date of the proposed activity to obtain a list of request materials.

Please note that occasional lectures or consultations cannot be counted toward the minimum financial support required on the Form DS-2019.

Form DS-2019 Extension

Any J-1 Exchange Visitor Update Request seeking an extension of the scholar’s J-1 EV program must be submitted to ISSS by the Hosting Unit at least 2 months prior to the current J-1 program (DS-2019) end date.

To be eligible for an extension:

• The scholar must be physically present inside the U.S. in valid J-1 status at the time of the extension.
• The scholar must have time remaining in J-1 status.
• The scholar’s appointment/affiliation with the University must also be extended.
• The scholar must have appropriate and sufficient financial support to fund the extension for themselves and any J-2 dependents.
• The scholar must be able to show that they currently have, and have maintained, the required health insurance for themselves and any J-2 dependents.

Failure to extend the Form DS-2019 prior to the end date on the current form could result in loss of J-1 status and employment privileges. J-2 dependents of Exchange Visitors are extended at the same time the J-1 is extended.

Note: Scholars who have applied for and received a recommendation for a waiver of the Two-Year Home Residence Requirement from the U.S. Department of State are not eligible for extension of J-1 status.

J-1 Program Transfer

It may be possible to transfer the J-1 program to another institution in the U.S. provided the following eligibility requirements are met:

• The field of research/teaching remains the same (see item 4 of the DS-2019 Subject/ Field Code).
• There must be time remaining in J-1 status.
• There will not be a gap between the end of the appointment with UNC-CH and the start at the new institution.
• The scholar is physically present in the U.S. at the time of their transfer.
• It is important to contact ISSS at least two months prior to the date of transfer as the transfer of the SEVIS record must be coordinated with the new institution/department.

Note: Scholars who have applied for and received a recommendation for a waiver of the Two-Year Home Residence Requirement from the U.S. Department of State may not be eligible for extension of J-1 status.

Travel

When traveling within the United States, J-1 scholars and their J-2 accompanying dependents should carry their immigration documents with them. Whenever traveling outside the U.S., J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents should carry the following documents for presentation at a U.S. Consulate abroad and/or to the Customs and Border Protection officers when re-entering the U.S.:

• Passport valid for at least six months into the future on the date of re-entry
• Valid Form DS-2019 (signed for travel by an ISSS advisor within the last 12 months).
  • Signatures are valid for 12 months from the date of signing, or until the end of your J-1 program, whichever is sooner.
  • If you or your dependents need a travel signature, please log into the ISSS Portal and complete the J-1/J-2 Exchange Visitor Travel Signature Request under “J-1 Scholar Services”.
• Valid J-1 U.S. visa stamp. See the visa stamp handout on the ISSS website for suggestions on documentation for the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.
  • On September 6, 2025 and effective immediately, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has updated its instructions for all nonimmigrant visa applicants who are scheduling visa interview appointments:
    • Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
    • Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate (see list here), unless their residence is elsewhere.
• Proof of health insurance coverage that meets the minimum requirements of the J-1 regulations.
• Financial information to document the funding indicated in item #5 on their Form DS-2019 and your J-1 invitation letter.
• A J-2 visa holders should carry the same documents listed above, as well as a marriage certificate and/or birth certificates of children with certified translations if they are not in English. All J-2 visa holders must have their own DS-2019 that has been signed for travel by an ISSS advisor within the last 12 months.
  • Signatures are valid for 12 months (six months for short-term visitors) from the date of signing, or until the end of the J-1 program, whichever is sooner.

Length of time abroad

The Department of State has stated that for J program purposes, the J-1 principal remains in valid “program status” during a short absence abroad. DOS has indicated that they consider an absence from the U.S. of more than 30 days as a break in program status. Absences of longer than 30 days must be approved in writing by an ISSS advisor prior to departure. Since J-2 dependent status is connected to the J-1 visitor, J-2 dependents may not remain in the U.S. while the J-1 visitor is absent from the U.S. for a period of over 30 days. If you are planning to be outside of the U.S. for over 30 days, please log into the ISSS Portal and complete an Extended Travel Request (30+ Days).

If employment at UNC-CH is part of the J-1 EV Program, then the J-1 exchange visitor must either be in an approved period of leave, or if they will be engaging in any work activities while abroad, have an approved teleworking request before ISSS can approve the travel. See University Employees section below.

University Employees

Regardless of the time abroad, UNC-CH employees in J-1 status must obtain the appropriate approvals before engaging in international travel. Please see below:

• Personal Travel: must be in an approved period of leave for the time they are abroad. May not engage in any work activities unless they have an approved telework request
• International Telework: must have an approved teleworking request to engage in any work activities while abroad, regardless of time abroad.

Additionally, employees engaging in University-Affiliated international travel must review and follow the guidelines on the UNC Global Affairs website.

SEVIS Fee

Scholars already in J-1 status who are applying for an extension of their J-1 visa stamp are not required to pay the SEVIS fee.  For further questions on the SEVIS fee, submit a Questions for ISSS e-form in the ISSS Portal.  J-2 Dependents are not required to pay the SEVIS fee. 

Dependents

Dependents (legal spouse and/or unmarried children under age 21) of J-1 visa holders may apply to enter the U.S. in J-2 status. Dependents planning to accompany the J-1 or to join the J-1 later in the U.S. must have their own Form DS-2019 and must have a J-2 visa stamp in their passport.

The J-1 visa holder may apply for a new Form DS-2019 for their dependents by submitting an Add a Scholar Dependent request in the ISSS Portal. It is very important that J-1 Exchange Visitors have sufficient funds to be able to support their families for the remainder of the J-1 program.

All J-2 visa holders are also required to be covered by health insurance that meets the Department of State’s requirements from their date of entry to the U.S .and for the remainder of the J program, including periods outside of the U.S.

Employment for J-2 Dependents

J-2 dependents may apply for employment authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to be employed in the U.S. Money earned by the J-2 dependent cannot be used to support the J-1 Exchange Visitor or dependents. Applications and Instructions on applying for employment authorization are available on the USCIS website. Processing times for the Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) vary. 

J-2 Dependents Taking Classes

The current regulations do not prohibit J-2 dependents from attending school either part-time or full-time and pursuing a degree program. It should be noted however that a J-2 dependent’s status is connected to the J-1 and therefore if the J-1’s status ends or changes to another immigration status, the J-2’s status also ends or changes. A J-2 student may want to discuss options regarding changing status or category with an ISSS advisor to avoid future difficulties.

J-2 Dependent Travel

Before a J-2 dependent travels outside of the U.S. (including Mexico and Canada) they should check to make sure they have all the necessary travel documentation. The travel validation box can be found in the lower right corner of the Form DS-2019.  This signature is required for re-entry into the U.S. in J-2 status from abroad.  There is no known restriction on the amount of time a J-2 dependent can be abroad.  However, if a J-2 dependent leaves the U.S. and has no intention of returning in J-2 status, they should notify ISSS so that their J-2 status can be ended in SEVIS. 

J-2 Change of Status

If a J-2 dependent is pursuing a change of status, they should be in communication with ISSS.   Once their status has been officially changed, they must notify ISSS so that their J-2 status can be ended in SEVIS as per the regulations of the Department of Homeland Security. 

Two-Year Home Residence Requirement

J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors may be subject to the Two-Year Home Residence Requirement if: 

• The country of legal permanent residence (noted in item one on the Form DS-2019) is on the skills list.
• Direct or indirect government funding is received, either from the U.S. government or funding from the home country.

Exchange Visitors subject to this requirement are not eligible to change to any other immigration status within the United States and are not eligible to change status to H, K, L, or adjust to permanent residence until the requirement is fulfilled or a waiver is obtained.

Exchange Visitors may apply for other non-immigrant visas such as: B, F, J, or O visa without fulfilling the 212(e) residence requirement or obtaining a waiver.

Further details about the J-1 Exchange Visitor program and the two-year home country residence requirement may be found at Department of State’s website. 

Note: Scholars who have applied for and received a recommendation for a waiver of the Two-Year Home Residence Requirement from the U.S. Department of State are not eligible for extension of J-1 status. 

24 Month Repeat Participation Bar

After the J-1 program ends, individuals in the J-1 and J-2 Research Scholar or Professor categories are automatically subject to a 24-month (two year) bar from participating in another J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program. 

These Exchange Visitors may not participate in another J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program until two years have passed since the end date of the last J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program (noted on the Form DS-2019). The rule extends to J-2 dependents who accompanied their J-1 family member in a Research Scholar or Professor program. 

This rule is automatic; it is not indicated on the exchange visitor’s visa stamp or DS-2019 form. Unlike the Two-Year Home Residence requirement, there is no option to apply for a waiver of this rule. 

It is important to recognize that the 24 Month Repeat Participation bar only impact one’s eligibility to participate in another J-1 Research Scholar or Professor – it does not apply to other travel to the U.S. (such as tourist, F-1 student, H-1B, J-1 student, etc.) 

Ending J-1 Status

J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to be engaged in full time program activities for the full duration of the J-1 Program (program dates as indicated in item 3 on the Form DS-2019). If a scholar departs the U.S. or plans to transfer to another institution, ISSS is required to complete, transfer or shorten their record in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS.)

Scholars must complete and submit our Departure Notice before final departure so ISSS can complete your record accordingly and revise your DS-2019 end date, if appropriate

J-1 Scholars are permitted to stay in the U.S. for up to 30 days following the end of the J-1 program. The 30-day grace period for departure can be used for attending to logistical matters related to departure and for engaging in tourism within the U.S. Employment is not allowed during this grace period.

If a J-1 scholar stops full-time participation in their program activities, they must depart the US immediately. Scholars should consult with an ISSS advisor before they stop participating in their program activities or if they plan to leave early.

J-1 Transfers must be requested in advance and are not always possible. SEVIS Transfer for J-1 scholars requires exact advanced coordination between UNC-CH and the transfer-in school.

Once UNC-CH completes or transfers a SEVIS record, any Forms DS-2019 that were issued to the scholar by UNC-CH should be kept by the scholar permanently as part of their immigration records.

J-1 Research Scholars or Professors please note: Once a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor Program is completed or terminated, a 24-month bar on repeat participation may apply.

 

This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. The information provided is subject to change. For the latest information go to https://isss.unc.edu/.

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Name: International Student and Scholar Services

Telephone: 919-962-5661

Email: ISSS@unc.edu