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J-1 Scholars & Faculty

The U.S. Department of State authorizes the University of Maryland’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) to sponsor the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. The program gives foreign nationals the opportunity to come to the U.S. for a few weeks to several years. Program participants may teach, conduct research, demonstrate special skills, study or receive on-the-job training. The program's broader goal is for participants to share academic ideas and research. It also aims to promote increased mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. 

Our office is authorized to issue the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status (“Form DS-2019”), the primary document used to support an application for a J-1 (Exchange Visitor) Visa. It is also our responsibility to work with campus departments to screen, select, and monitor prospective and current exchange visitors to the University of Maryland. We also ensure the University’s compliance with the criteria set forth in the Department of State’s governing regulations (22 CFR Part 62) for this program. 

A foreign national who is invited to teach or conduct research.

A foreign national invited to be a consultant, permanent/administrative staff, or volunteer, or invited to participate in clinical activities or activities that involve patient contact. In addition, tenure track or permanent positions.

The program encourages professors and research scholars to exchange ideas and research. It strengthens ties between academic institutions in the United States and foreign countries.

The minimum participation is 3 weeks with a maximum of 5 years, includes time spent at another institution in J-1 status

Scholar must hold minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited academic institution. Bachelor degrees received from programs that are less than four years may not be eligible for J-1 program. Contact our office to ask about eligibility.

Professors, research scholars and other individuals with similar education or accomplishments travel to the United States on a short-term visit to lecture, observe, consult, train or demonstrate special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited academic institutions or similar types of institutions.

The program is less than six months.

Scholar must hold minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited academic institution. Bachelor degrees received from programs that are less than four years may not be eligible for the J-1 program. Contact our office to ask about eligibility.

Specialists are experts in a field of specialized knowledge or skills who provide opportunities to increase the exchange of ideas with American counterparts.

Students enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program come to UMD to gain practical experience on conducting research in their academic field. The participant is enrolled in a degree program abroad and the U.S. internship must fulfill a degree requirement at their home institution.

The minimum length of the program is three weeks. The maximum length is 12 months per degree/major.  Extensions beyond the 12 months are not permitted.

The internship program must be full-time with a minimum of 32 hours a week.

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