Application overview
Apply to the ISSC on behalf of the prospective scholar to obtain a DS-2019. We will issue the DS-2019 up to 7 business days of a complete application. This does not include weekends or ASU observed holidays. During peak seasons, processing times may be more than 7 business days as we deal with a higher volume of requests.
- Submit the application at least 2-6 months before the start date. This allows time for the J-1 scholar to apply for a visa at a U.S. Consulate. Keep in mind that visa interview appointments and processing times vary significantly by country and consulate. Average global visa wait times can be found here: Global Visa Wait Times.
There are several categories of J-1 scholars, all with different requirements and time limitations. See here for more detailed information about these categories. Here are the time limitations for each category:
| J-1 Scholar category | Maximum duration |
|---|---|
| Short-term Scholar | 6 months |
| Professor/Research Scholar | 1 year upfront, then extended yearly for a total of 5 consecutive years |
| Specialist | 12 months |
| Student Non-Degree | 2 years |
| J-1 Student Intern | 12 months |
Export Control Review and Visiting Scholar Agreement
Sponsoring departments must fulfill specific obligations prior to initiating a J-1 DS-2019 application:
- Export Control Review: The department must first determine if an export control review is necessary. Follow the outlined steps and use the resources provided by the Office of Research Compliance to make this determination here. Please plan accordingly if this step is necessary.
- Visiting Scholar Agreement: If the applicant is not funded by ASU and will not be an ASU employee, the hosting unit must obtain a fully executed Visiting Scholar Agreement, regardless of whether an export review is required. A copy of the completed agreement must be included with the DS-2019 application. You can find this agreement at Research Compliance Forms.
For questions regarding the export control review process or visiting scholar agreements, contact [email protected].
Sponsoring a J-1 scholar
Once the sponsoring department has completed the necessary export control review and visiting scholar agreement process, they can submit a J-1 Scholar Initial Request for a prospective J-1 scholar through our Sunapsis system. If you are a department user that requires a Sunapsis account to submit this request, please contact the ISSC for access.
You will need to attach supporting documentation to the e-form application. This is a list of some of the documentation you may have to attach:
- Visiting Scholar Agreement (To be completed by units for visiting scholars at ASU that are not funded by ASU and/or not ASU employees)
- Invitation/offer letter
- J medical insurance requirement form
- J-1 incident report consent form
- J-1 scholar English proficiency attestation form
- J-1 scholar English proficiency interview form
- Copy of passport page with biographical information for the J-1 scholar and for any accompanying J-2 dependents
- Funding documentation
- Previous DS-2019 form(s) (if applicable)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Various other supporting documents
Up to 7 business days of receiving a complete application, we will contact you via email when the J-1 scholar's DS-2019 package is ready for pick up. This does not include weekends or ASU observed holidays. During peak seasons, processing times may be more than 7 business days as we deal with a higher volume of requests. We will also include a copy of J-1 scholar's DS-2019 for your records.
Extending a J-1 scholar
The J-1 scholar has the right to remain in the U.S. to complete the program objective provided that it does not exceed the total length of time permitted by the program category and the scholar adheres to all regulations of the J-1 status.
To extend a J-1 scholar stay, departments will submit a J-1 Scholar Extension Request through our Sunapsis system, after they have determined if an export control review is required Foreign workers and visitors | Research Compliance. Any department user submitting a DS-2019 application for the first time, has to go through a Canvas training to be granted access to the system. If you need access but have not yet attended a training session, or if you have attended a training session but need a refresher, please contact ISSC.
You will need to attach supporting documentation to the e-form application. This is a list of some of the documentation you may have to attach.
- Copy of the passport page with biographical information for the J-1 scholar and for any accompanying J-2 dependents
- Copy of the extended Visiting Scholar agreement for unpaid scholars
- Funding documentation
- Proof of medical insurance coverage
- Invitation/offer letter
- Various other supporting documents
Up to 7 business days of receiving a complete application, we will contact the J-1 scholar via email when the J-1 scholar's DS-2019 package is ready for pick up. This does not include weekends or ASU observed holidays. During peak seasons, processing times may be more than 7 business days as we deal with a higher volume of requests. We will also send you a copy of J-1 scholar's DS-2019 via campus mail.
Funding documentation
Funding documentation showing ability to cover current estimates of monthly living expenses.
How to show documentation of funds:
- If the scholar is using personal funds, an official dated bank statement must be provided
- All accounts must be easily accessible and liquid assets
- All documents must be in English, or an official English translation must accompany the original
- All supporting documentation must be dated within the last six months
- Letters of sponsorship must include exact amount of support and dates of sponsorship
Estimates of monthly living expenses:
- $2,500 per month for the J-1 scholar
- $1000 per month for J-2 spouse and each dependent