J-1 Visa Overview
Our office, the Dean's office, and your host department will work closely with you to obtain your visa, arrange housing, and assist you after your arrival on campus. The sections below offer an overview of the J-1 visa, your rights and responsibilities as a J-1 exchange visitor, and a comprehensive guide to help get you settled at Colorado College. Welcome to CC!
J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
The purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is to promote international educational and cultural exchange, in order to develop mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. The J-1 visa is for visitors who are coming to the U.S. for a short-term program in a variety of different areas: such as study, research, teaching, or training. Colorado College sponsors foreign nationals for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visas in the following categories: Professor, Research Scholar, Specialist, and Students.
The Center for Global Education & Field Study administers Colorado College's Exchange Visitor Program and issues the Form DS-2019 that exchange visitors use to apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the J-1 visa to enter the United States. The Exchange Visitor Program (J-1) is carried out by the Department of State (DOS) pursuant to the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. Its purpose is to enhance the understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges.
For a complete list of rules and regulations regarding the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, please visit the J-1 visa website for detailed information. It is important that during your stay in the U.S., you maintain lawful J-1 status, as failure to do so can have serious short-term and long-term consequences.
J-1 Eligibility Requirements
- Intent to pursue appropriate activity (such as research, teaching, training, or study)
- Intent to return to home country (as determined by a consular officer)
- Sufficient funding for the duration of the program
- Appropriate background for program activity (i.e. the J-1 visitor meets appropriate degree requirements for the category)
- Demonstrate adequate English Proficiency
- Maintain health insurance that meets the minimum Dept. of State requirements during the entire J-1 program
J-1 Categories and Maximum Length of Stay
J-1 Category |
Primary Purpose |
Max Length of Stay |
Subject to 12- or 24-Month Bar on Repeat Participation after J-1 Program is Completed? |
|---|---|---|---|
Research Scholar |
Research; can also teach/lecture, consult, or observe in educational settings | 5 years | Yes |
Professor |
Teach/lecture; can also research, consult, or observe in educational settings | 5 years | Yes |
Specialist |
Observe, consult, or demonstrate their special knowledge or skills; must demonstrate extraordinary knowledge/experience in a specific field | 1 year |
Yes, if the program is 6 months or longer No, if the program is less than 6 months |
Short-Term Scholar |
Research, teach/lecture, consult, or observe special projects | 6 months | No |