J-1 Scholar/Faculty Overview

 J-1 Application Process   |  J-1 Categories and Eligibility Requirements  
J-1 Restrictions  |  J-1 Department Responsibilities
J-1 English Proficiency | J-1 Process Flowchart

The University of Maryland’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is authorized by the Department of State to be a designated sponsor of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.  The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program provides countless opportunities for foreign nationals to come to the U.S. to teach, conduct research, demonstrate special skills, study or receive on-the-job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years.  The broader objectives of the program are to facilitate the exchange of ideas and scholarly research in a variety of fields between people of the United States and people of other countries and to promote increased mutual understanding.

As a designated sponsor of the Department of State, ISSS 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. As a sponsor, it is also the responsibility of ISSS to work with campus departments to screen, select, and monitor prospective and current exchange visitors to the University of Maryland and to 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. 

The following are categories of J-1 Exchange Visitors commonly hosted by the University of Maryland:

Research Scholar or Professor
The exchange of professors and research scholars promotes the exchange of ideas, research, mutual enrichment and linkages between research and academic institutions in the United States and foreign countries.

Short-Term Scholar Program
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.

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