What information is my sponsor required to report to the U.S. government (Department of State) about my J-1 status and program?
Table of Contents
-
What is the Short-Term Scholar category and who is it designed for?
What are the eligibility requirements for Short-Term Scholar (education, purpose, activities)?
What is the maximum duration of stay for a Short-term Scholar?
What funding options are available for Short-Term Scholars?
-
What is the Research Scholar category and who is it designed for?
What are the eligibility requirements for Research Scholar (education, purpose, activities)?
What is the maximum duration of stay for a Research Scholar?
What funding options are available for Research Scholars?
-
What is the Professor category and who qualifies?
What distinguishes a Professor from a Research Scholar for J-1 purposes?
What teaching and research activities are permitted under the Professor category?
What is the maximum duration of stay for a Professor?
Must Professors have a terminal degree in their field?
-
What is the Specialist category and what types of specialists does it cover?
What are the eligibility requirements for a Specialist?
What is the maximum duration and what activities are permitted for Specialists?
What funding options are available for Specialists?
-
What is the Student Intern category?
Who is eligible for Student Intern status (current students vs. recent graduates)?
What is the maximum duration of a Student Intern program?
What types of internship activities are permitted under Student Intern status?
How does Student Intern differ from the Intern/Trainee category?
-
What is the difference between the Intern and Trainee categories?
Are the Intern and Trainee categories appropriate for academic research positions?
What are the eligibility and duration requirements for Intern and Trainee?
-
What is the Teacher category used for?
Is the Teacher category appropriate for university-level instruction?
What are the requirements for primary and secondary school teachers under the J-1 program?
-
What information is my sponsor required to report to the U.S. government (Department of State) about my J-1 status and program?
Your J-1 program sponsor is required to report specific information about your participation through SEVIS, the U.S. government’s tracking system for exchange visitors.
This typically includes:
Your program start and end dates
Your J-1 category and program objective
Your funding sources and amounts
Your U.S. residential address
Confirmation of your program participation and arrival
Any program changes, extensions, or early completion
Changes in employment, site of activity, or supervisor (if applicable)
Addition, removal, or updates to J-2 dependent information (if applicable)
Serious problems or controversies involving you or your sponsor
Failure to maintain health insurance coverage for yourself and your dependents
Note: This reporting is required by federal regulation and helps confirm that your program is being conducted as approved.
Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.13 Notification Requirements; State Department Exchange Visitor Visa
What events trigger a reporting requirement (program extensions, early terminations, address changes, etc.)?
Several events must be reported in SEVIS when they occur, including but not limited to:
Program extensions or changes to your end date
Early completion or termination of your program
Changes in funding (amount or source)
Changes in your site of activity or supervisor
U.S. address changes
Changes in dependent status (J-2s arriving or departing)
Departure from the U.S. before program completion
All of these events trigger a reporting requirement. Your program sponsor is required to report all events that affect your program in any way. Reporting timelines vary by event type:
Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.13 Notification Requirements
What are my responsibilities for keeping my sponsor informed of changes in my program or personal circumstances?
You are required to report the following changes to your sponsor within ten calendar days:
Changes in your telephone number
Changes in your email address
Changes in your actual and current U.S. address (physical residence)
Changes in your site of activity (if you are permitted to make such changes without prior sponsor authorization)
Additional important reporting obligations:
You should also promptly notify your sponsor of:
Any changes to your program activities or objectives
Plans to travel outside the United States
Any circumstances that may prevent you from completing your program as planned
Changes in employment or funding sources
Any problems or concerns with your program
Disciplinary actions or legal issues
Changes in academic status (for students)
Any other matters that may affect your J-1 status
Important: Failure to report required changes can result in termination of your SEVIS record and violation of your J-1 status, which could have serious consequences for your ability to remain in the U.S. and future visa applications.
Tip: When in doubt, contact your program sponsor or international office for guidance before making changes.
Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.10(c)(9) Orientation Requirements; 22 CFR 62.13 Notification Requirements
What happens if I fail to comply with J-1 program requirements or regulations?
Your sponsor is required to terminate your program participation for serious violations of the requirements or a failure to follow the regulations. Following are some of the reasons for required termination of your SEVIS record:
Conviction of a crime which affects your ability to fulfill program objectives
Disciplinary action taken against you by your sponsor or other relevant authority which affects your ability to fulfill program objectives
Unauthorized employment
Failure to maintain health insurance for the duration of the program
Failure to comply with program activities and requirements
Failure to submit required updates (address, change of work location, etc.)
Otherwise failing to maintain status
If there is an error or problem with my J-1 status, what corrections can be made by the Responsible Officer (RO)?
In some cases, the RO can correct issues directly in SEVIS, such as:
Typographical or data entry errors
Minor inconsistencies in program information
Corrections related to reporting delays when there was no status violation
These corrections are generally possible only if your status has not been terminated and the issue is identified quickly.
Tip: Contact the Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for your program immediately if you believe there is an error in your record.
What types of issues require a formal reinstatement application vs. those that can be corrected by the Responsible Officer (RO)?
Issues that may be corrected by the Responsible Officer include:
Minor administrative errors like failure to extend your DS-2019 on time
Failure to report an address change within 10 days, provided the Responsible Officer can make the correction within 120 days after the error occurred
Note: Your RO cannot correct issues if you willfully failed to maintain insurance, engaged in unauthorized employment, or were terminated from your program.
Issues that require adjudication/reinstatement by U.S. Department of State:
Minor administrative errors which occurred between 121 and 270 days prior to the reinstatement request
Issues that cannot be fixed:
Errors which occurred more than 270 days
Unauthorized employment
Willful failure to maintain insurance
Involuntary termination
Important: Contact the Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for your program immediately if you believe you've violated your status. The sooner you act, the more options you have.
Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.45 Reinstatement to Valid Program Status
My DS-2019 program end date is approaching in three months. How do I request an extension?
If your program activities and funding will continue beyond your current end date, start by talking with your sponsoring department or supervisor. They will confirm whether an extension is appropriate and will work with the international office to submit the request on your behalf.
Your department may ask you to provide documentation either directly to them or to the international office. Be sure to submit any requested documents in a timely manner so your extension can be processed without delays.
The international office must extend your DS-2019 before your current program end date. To avoid issues, your department should submit the extension request several months in advance to allow time for review and processing.
Once the extension is approved, the international office will update your record in SEVIS and issue you a new DS-2019 with an updated program end date. Be sure to share the new DS-2019 with your department or Human Resources so they can update your I-9 employment authorization end date, if applicable.
Note: J-1 extensions are only possible if the extension fits within the maximum time allowed for your J-1 category and your original program objectives remain the same.
Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.43 Extension of Program
What is the maximum duration I can be in J-1 status across all programs?
There is no single lifetime limit on how long you can be in J-1 status overall. Instead, each J-1 category has its own maximum duration, and you must follow the rules that apply to that category (See section 2, J-1 Academic Categories: Eligibility & Requirements for more details). In addition, if you receive a favorable recommendation for a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement, you are no longer eligible to extend your current J-1 program beyond the end date on your DS-2019, even if you have not reached the category maximum.
You may be eligible for multiple J-1 programs over time if you stay within category limits, follow the bar rules, if applicable, and have a new or distinct program objective for each program. Because individual situations vary, talk with your program sponsor about your long-term plans and whether another visa category may be a better fit.
Important: J-1 status requires you to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent when applying for a J-1 visa. Long periods of consecutive J-1 participation with little time outside the U.S. may raise questions during future visa applications.
Note: Many scholars return to the U.S. in the Short-Term Scholar category as part of ongoing international collaborations, which can be appropriate when each visit is temporary.
Are there limits on how many times I can extend my J-1 program?
There is no limit on how many times your J-1 program can be extended, as long as the total time stays within the maximum duration allowed for your J-1 category.
If you and your department expect your program to continue for a specific period, it is often helpful to request a longer extension rather than several shorter ones. This can reduce administrative work for both you and your department.
Note: If your plans change, the international office can shorten your program end date if you complete your program early or depart the U.S. before the end of your authorized stay.
What documentation do I need to provide to request an extension?
To request a J-1 program extension, your department or the international office may ask you to provide several documents. These are typically used to confirm your identity, funding, and continued eligibility.
Commonly requested documents include:
Your current immigration documents, including your passport, visa, and most recent I-94
Immigration documents for any J-2 dependents
Proof of continued funding if any portion of your support comes from a non-university source
Proof that you and any dependents continue to meet the J-1 health insurance requirements
A completed extension request or update form with current personal information (such as your local and mailing address), if required
If you are funded by your institution, your department typically provides the necessary documentation confirming your continued funding and position.
Tip: Requirements can vary slightly by department and J-1 category, so respond promptly to any requests to avoid delays in processing your extension.
Can I remain in the U.S. while my extension is being processed?
Yes, you may remain in the U.S. while your J-1 extension is being processed, if the extension request is submitted before your current DS-2019 program end date.
If you plan to travel internationally while your extension is pending, talk with your department and the international office before making travel plans. You must be able to receive your updated DS-2019 before returning to the U.S., and travel before the extension is approved may not be recommended.
Note: Your visa expiration date does not affect your ability to stay in the U.S. as long as your DS-2019 remains valid and you are maintaining J-1 status.
I'm currently sponsored by University A and would like to transfer my J-1 sponsorship to University B. What is the process?
A J-1 transfer requires coordination between you, your current sponsor (University A), and your new sponsor (University B). You will work with the international offices at both institutions to ensure the transfer is completed correctly.
Before starting a transfer, confirm that University B is willing and able to sponsor you in J-1 status. This typically includes reviewing your remaining time in the J-1 category and confirming that your activities at University B represent a continuation of your original program objective.
If University B agrees to sponsor you, the transfer process generally includes:
Requesting a J-1 transfer out from University A and selecting a SEVIS release date
Coordination between University A and University B in SEVIS
Completing any required transfer-in forms and providing documentation (such as an invitation or appointment letter) to University B
To be eligible for a J-1 transfer:
You must remain within the maximum duration allowed for your J-1 category
There must be no gap between programs
Your program objective must remain consistent, typically involving continued research or teaching in the same field
If approved, you do not need to leave the U.S. or apply for a new visa. University B will issue a new DS-2019 and assume responsibility for your J-1 sponsorship.
Tip: Begin transfer discussions early, as coordination between institutions can take several weeks.
Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.42 Transfer of Program
How long does a J-1 transfer typically take?
J-1 transfer timelines vary by institution and require advance planning. At most universities, transfers can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on internal processing timelines, funding confirmation, and how quickly required documents are submitted.
Extra care is needed if your SEVIS release date coincides with the end date on your current DS-2019. In that situation, the transfer must be completed by the program end date or the SEVIS record will become inactive, making a transfer impossible.
You should notify your current department as early as possible if you plan to transfer, as departmental confirmation is often required before a transfer out can be approved.
Tip: Begin the transfer process as soon as a new position is likely, even if final details are still pending.
Can I begin working at the new institution before my transfer is complete?
No. You may not begin working at your new institution until your J-1 transfer is completed in SEVIS and you have received an updated DS-2019 from the new university.
You must present the new DS-2019 to complete your I-9 employment verification before you can begin work at University B.
Note: This includes all paid employment. You should not begin work, orientation activities that involve employment, or other work-related duties until the transfer is fully completed and you are authorized to work by the new sponsor.
What happens to my J-2 dependents when I transfer sponsors?
Your J-2 dependents transfer with you to the new institution. Once the transfer is complete, the new sponsor will issue updated DS-2019s for you and each dependent reflecting the new institution and program end date.
You are responsible for ensuring that your dependents continue to meet J-1 health insurance requirements under the new sponsor and, if applicable, are enrolled in the appropriate university-sponsored plan.
If your J-2 spouse has an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), it remains valid after the transfer as long as it has not expired and you maintain valid J-1 status. A new EAD is not required solely due to the transfer.
J-2 dependents may continue authorized work or study during and after the transfer. Updated travel signatures from the new institution are required for international travel.
I entered as a J-1 Short-Term Scholar but my institution wants to extend my program. Can I change to Research Scholar or Professor category?
No. The J-1 Short-Term Scholar category has a strict maximum duration of six months. Your program may be extended only up to the six-month limit.
If your institution needs you to stay longer, a different visa category would need to be considered, which would likely require you to leave the U.S. and apply again from abroad.
The Short-Term Scholar category is intended for brief, temporary visits and may be used more than once. If you later return with a new DS-2019, a new J-1 visa, and a new program objective, you may be eligible to participate again as a Short-Term Scholar.
Note: Participation in the Short-Term Scholar category does not trigger the 12-month or 24-month bars, but each visit must be temporary, and you must continue to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent.
Can I change from J-1 Short-Term Scholar to Research Scholar or Professor category?
No. Changing from the J-1 Short-Term Scholar category to the Research Scholar or Professor category while remaining in the U.S. is not permitted in practice and is not approved.
Changes between J-1 categories require prior approval from the U.S. Department of State and are reviewed extremely narrowly. In our experience, requests to change from Short-Term Scholar to Research Scholar or Professor are not approved, even when the activities are related.
As a result, scholars who wish to move into the Research Scholar or Professor category must typically end their Short-Term Scholar program, depart the U.S., and apply for a new J-1 visa abroad with a new DS-2019 issued for the appropriate category.
Note: The Short-Term Scholar category does not trigger the 12- or 24-month bars, but it should not be used as a bridge to longer-term J-1 categories.
Reference(s)/Resource(s): Bridge USA Short-Term Scholar
What is the process for changing J-1 categories, and are there restrictions?
Changing J-1 categories requires approval from the U.S. Department of State and must be submitted by your institution through SEVIS. Individuals cannot request a category change on their own.
Category changes are rare and highly discretionary and are approved only in limited circumstances where the new category closely relates to the original exchange objective. Approval is not guaranteed.
If a request is submitted before your DS-2019 expires, you may remain in valid J-1 status while it is pending. If approved, a new DS-2019 is issued. If denied, you may remain in your current category until your DS-2019 end date, followed by the standard grace period.
Because in-country category changes are uncommon, many scholars instead end their program, depart the U.S., and apply for a new J-1 visa abroad. Repeat participation may be subject to restrictions such as the 12- or 24-month bars.
Important: Consult your international office early if you are considering a category change.
I am currently a J-1 Research Scholar and have been admitted to a Master's program. Can I change my J-1 category from Research Scholar to Student (F-1)?
A change from J-1 to F-1 is not a J category change – but a change of visa status. Yes, it may be possible to change from J-1 to F-1 status, but timing and eligibility are important.
You generally have two options:
Apply for a change of status from J-1 to F-1 by filing Form I-539 with USCIS, if you are not subject to the 212(e) two-year home residence requirement, or
Depart the U.S. and apply for an F-1 visa abroad, then reenter the U.S. in F-1 status. (Canadian citizens do not need an F-1 visa stamp but must still leave and reenter in F-1 status.)
Again - this process involves a change of immigration status, not a change of J-1 category.
To apply for a change of status within the U.S., you must first receive a Form I-20 from the admitting institution and file Form I-539 with supporting documentation and the required fee. Processing times vary and may take several months. In some cases, premium processing may be available; confirm current eligibility and procedures with your international office before filing.
International travel can affect a pending change of status application. Depending on timing and visa availability, departing the U.S. and reentering in F-1 status may be a more predictable option.
Because each case is unique, consult your international office to review your options and determine the best approach.
Tip: If your situation involves complex timing, funding, or travel considerations, you may also wish to consult an experienced immigration attorney.
Important: On January 1, 2026 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a Policy Memorandum that announced a hold on all applications submitted to USCIS by or for individuals who list one of the countries listed in Presidential Proclamation (PP) 10998 as either their country of birth or country of citizenship. If you are a citizen of, or were born in, one of the countries named in PP 10998, you are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified immigration attorney before you decide to attempt a change of status.
I am currently on a J-1, but my university would like to sponsor me for an H-1B work visa. Is this possible?
Yes, this may be possible, depending on the position and your individual immigration circumstances. Your department must agree to sponsor you, as H-1B petitions involve required employer-paid filing fees and a defined institutional process.
The position must qualify for H-1B sponsorship, generally meaning it requires at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field and meets applicable wage requirements. You must also meet the position’s minimum qualifications, which the international office will review as part of the process.
If you are subject to the two-year home residence requirement (212(e)), you generally cannot change to H-1B status from within the U.S. unless you fulfill the requirement or obtain an approved waiver (see Section 11).
Because eligibility and timing vary, consult your international office early to review your position, confirm 212(e) applicability, and discuss next steps.
If I am subject to the two-year home residency requirement, can I still apply for H-1B status?
If you are subject to the two-year home residency requirement, you are not eligible for H-1B status at this time.
You may become eligible for H-1B sponsorship only after you either:
Fulfill the requirement by spending a cumulative total of two years in your home country, or
Obtain an approved waiver of the two-year home residency requirement.
Important: The two-year home-country physical presence requirement is a lifetime requirement. This means it continues to apply to you until it is either fulfilled or waived, even if you later change to another status, such as F-1.
Careful timing is also required. Once you receive a favorable waiver recommendation or an approved waiver, you are no longer eligible for extensions of your J-1 program.
Refer to Section 11 for more detailed information about fulfilling the requirement or applying for a waiver.
What is the process for changing from J-1 to H-1B, and how long does it typically take?
Because most universities are exempt from the annual H-1B cap, they can file H-1B petitions at any time of year and are not subject to the H-1B lottery.
If the university agrees to sponsor you, there are usually two options:
Change of status in the U.S.
The university files an H-1B petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requesting that your status change from J-1 to H-1B without you leaving the U.S. This option is common if you do not have upcoming international travel and is strongly recommended under current policy, as H-1B change of status petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025 that are approved do not require the $100,000 consular processing fee (discussed below). Even if you later travel abroad and need to obtain an H-1B visa stamp at a U.S. consulate, you will not be subject to the $100,000 fee if your petition was approved as a change of status.
Important: Do not travel internationally while your change of status petition is pending. If you depart the U.S. before USCIS adjudicates your petition, the case will automatically convert to consular processing and may trigger the $100,000 fee requirement.
Consular processing
The university files the H-1B petition, and you apply for an H-1B visa at a U.S. consulate abroad and enter the U.S. in H-1B status. Under a Presidential Proclamation effective September 21, 2025, H-1B petitions filed on or after that date that request consular processing are subject to a $100,000 fee that must be paid by the sponsoring employer before the petition is filed. This fee applies to:
New H-1B petitions filed for individuals outside the U.S. who do not have a valid H-1B visa
Petitions requesting consular notification, even if the beneficiary is inside the U.S. at the time of filing
This option is now rarely used due to the substantial cost, except in cases where the employer qualifies for a national interest exception (which has a very high threshold) or the individual is unable to remain in the U.S. for change of status processing.
To begin the process, the international office will collect required forms and information from you and your department, including details about the position, your qualifications, immigration history, dependents, and copies of your current and prior immigration documents (such as DS-2019s).
Before filing the H-1B petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the university (or its immigration counsel) must first obtain an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the U.S. Department of Labor. Once the LCA is approved, the H-1B petition is submitted to USCIS.
Processing times vary. From start to finish, the process often takes several weeks to a few months, depending on internal review timelines and USCIS processing. In some cases, premium processing may be available for faster adjudication.
Tip: Because timing can be affected by internal approvals, funding, and your current J-1 end date, begin discussions with your department and international office as early as possible, ideally at least 3–6 months before your intended H-1B start date.
Can I continue working while my H-1B change of status application is pending?
You may continue working in J-1 status through the end date on your DS-2019, provided you remain in compliance with J-1 employment requirements.
To avoid a work gap, the international office typically requests an H-1B start date immediately following the J-1 program end date. If the DS-2019 end date passes before the H-1B is approved, you must stop working until approval and receipt of the Form I-797 approval notice.
Once approved, you must present the approval notice to Human Resources to update your I-9 before resuming work.
Important: There is no automatic extension of work authorization while an H-1B change of status is pending, and H-1B portability does not apply when changing from J-1 to H-1B.
Begin planning with your department and international office several months in advance. International travel while a change of status is pending should be discussed in advance, as it may affect the application.
U.S. immigration regulations are rapidly changing. Immigration rules can change quickly, and what is accurate today may not be true tomorrow. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific immigration questions or complex situations, consult with a qualified immigration attorney.