Pre-Arrival Information, Orientation, English Language, and Health Insurance Requirements
Table of Contents
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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What pre-arrival information is my sponsor required to provide me before I come to the U.S.?
Before you arrive in the U.S., your J-1 program sponsor is required to provide you with essential pre-arrival information to help you prepare for your program and understand your responsibilities.
This information typically includes:
Details about your J-1 program objectives and activities
Instructions for obtaining and using your DS-2019
An overview of J-1 rules and responsibilities, including health insurance requirements
Employment details and terms (if applicable), including job duties, duration, compensation, and benefits
Information about SEVIS, reporting obligations, and arrival check-in
Guidance on housing, transportation, and local living arrangements
Practical information to support daily life in the U.S. (e.g., Social Security numbers, banking, transportation, and employee rights, if applicable)
Tip: Review all pre-arrival materials carefully and keep copies accessible during travel. They often answer common questions that come up in your first weeks in the U.S.
Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.10(b) Pre-Arrival Information
What topics must be covered in the mandatory J-1 orientation program?
All J-1 participants must receive a mandatory orientation that covers key information required by the U.S. Department of State. The regulations specify that orientation must include nine mandatory topics, and the sponsor may include additional content. The nine required topics are:
Life and customs in the United States
Local community resources (transportation, medical centers, schools, libraries, recreation, banks)
Healthcare, emergency assistance, and health insurance coverage
Description of the specific exchange program (length, location, components, payment/stipends, deductions)
Sponsor rules participants must follow
Sponsor contact information (name, address, RO and ARO names/emails/phones)
Office of Designation contact details and Exchange Visitor Program brochure
Wilberforce Pamphlet on Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers
Requirement to report changes in contact information, address, and site of activity within 10 days
Other general orientation information typically includes:
An overview of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
Your rights and responsibilities as a J-1 Exchange Visitor
SEVIS reporting obligations and maintaining your status
Rules related to employment, extensions, and travel
Information on cross-cultural exchange expectations specific to your institution and/or program
Emergency and community resources, safety information, and local laws
Emergency contact information for your sponsor or international office
Note: Orientation is designed to support you and to ensure you have the information you need to succeed and stay in compliance.
Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.10(c) Orientation
When must the orientation take place (before arrival, upon arrival, or within a certain timeframe)?
Orientation is typically provided shortly after the start of your program. Sponsors may offer orientation before arrival, upon arrival, or within the first few weeks of the program.
Your sponsor will inform you of the required timing and format.
Important: You are expected to complete orientation as scheduled. Delays or failure to complete orientation can raise compliance concerns.
Can orientation be conducted online, or must it be in-person?
Orientation may be conducted online, in person, or in a hybrid format, depending on your sponsor’s procedures and your program circumstances.
Tip: If you cannot attend a scheduled orientation due to travel delays or other issues, contact your international office right away to arrange an alternative.
English Language Proficiency
What level of English proficiency is required for J-1 academic programs?
You must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to successfully participate in your academic or research activities and function in daily life in the U.S. The standard is not perfection, but the ability to communicate effectively in your program environment and in routine, day-to-day situations.
How can I document my English language ability to my sponsor (TOEFL, IELTS, interview, English-medium degree, etc.)?
Your sponsor may accept several forms of documentation, including:
A recognized English language test such as TOEFL or IELTS scores
A documented interview conducted by the sponsor in English
Signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school
Note: Acceptable documentation varies by sponsor, so always confirm what is required in your specific case.
Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.10(a)(2) English Language Proficiency; 9 FAM 402.5-6(G) Knowledge of English
Does my sponsor have discretion in determining whether my English is sufficient?
Yes. Your sponsor is responsible for determining whether your English proficiency is sufficient. This assessment is required under U.S. Department of State rules and must be based on an objective method, such as a recognized English language test, institutional documentation, or a documented interview conducted by the sponsor, before your Form DS-2019 is issued.
Health Insurance Requirements
Am I required to have health insurance throughout my entire J-1 program?
Yes. You are required by federal regulation to maintain qualifying health insurance for the entire duration of your J-1 program, including any approved extensions.
Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.14 Insurance
What are the minimum coverage requirements for J-1 health insurance (medical benefits, repatriation, medical evacuation, deductibles)?
Your insurance must meet U.S. Department of State minimum standards, including:
Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
Medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000
Repatriation of remains coverage of at least $25,000
A deductible not exceeding $500 per condition
Tip: If you are unsure whether your plan meets these requirements, ask your international office to review it before relying on it.
Reference(s)/Resource(s): U.S. Department of State: Health Insurance for Exchange Visitors
Are J-2 dependents also required to have health insurance?Your insurance must meet U.S. Department of State minimum standards, including:
Yes. All J-2 dependents must maintain qualifying health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in the U.S.
Reference(s)/Resource(s):22 CFR 62.14(h) Insurance for Accompanying Spouses and Dependents
Can I use health insurance from my home country, or must I purchase U.S.-based insurance?
Foreign insurance plans may be used only if they fully meet U.S. Department of State requirements. Many plans do not, so review this carefully with your sponsor.
Your insurance must meet at least one of these requirements:
Option 1: Private Insurance from a Reputable Company Your insurance must be from a financially stable company with a strong rating from at least one of these agencies:
A.M. Best: "A−" or higher
Standard & Poor's: "A−" or higher
Weiss Research: "B+" or higher
Fitch Ratings: "A−" or higher
Moody's: "A3" or higher
These ratings show the company is reliable and can pay claims.
Option 2: Government-Backed Insurance Your insurance is provided or guaranteed by your home country's government.
Option 3: Group Health Plan You're covered through a group insurance plan offered by your sponsor organization to their employees or students.
Option 4: U.S. Federally Qualified Plan Your insurance is through a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or similar plan that's been approved by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.14(d) Insurance Minimums
What happens if I fail to maintain adequate health insurance coverage?
Failure to maintain required health insurance is a violation of J-1 regulations and may result in termination of your program.
Important: If your coverage lapses or changes unexpectedly, contact your RO or ARO immediately. Do not wait for the issue to resolve itself.
Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.14(i)-(j) Insurance Failure to Maintain
Does my sponsoring institution provide health insurance, or am I responsible for obtaining it?
It depends on your sponsoring institution and the type of appointment you have. Some universities automatically enroll J-1 scholars in an institutional health insurance plan, while others require you to obtain your own coverage.
In many cases:
Employees (such as salaried postdocs or faculty) may be eligible for an employer-sponsored health insurance plan.
Non-employee scholars (such as visiting researchers funded from abroad) are often responsible for purchasing their own insurance.
Regardless of who provides the coverage, you are responsible for ensuring that your health insurance meets the U.S. Department of State’s J-1 minimum coverage requirements for the entire duration of your program. Your international office or program sponsor may recommend insurance plans that meet these minimum requirements.
Tip: Do not assume you are automatically covered. Confirm your insurance arrangements with both your sponsoring department and your international office as early as possible.
Note: If your institution enrolls you in a health plan, you may still need to take action (such as enrolling dependents, paying premiums, or requesting a waiver if you have other coverage).
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.