J-1 Scholars
PSU hosts international scholars and professors from around the world each year. Visiting scholars and faculty come to PSU for collaboration in their fields of research or teaching. Visiting scholars can be self-funded or paid by PSU. (For information about the summer International Visiting Professor (IVP) program, please see that section of our site.)
J-1 Visas for Visiting International Scholars and Professors
PSU is a sponsoring institution for the J-1 Exchange Visitor program, which is monitored by the Department of State (DoS). Prospective scholars may stay from a few weeks up to five years and must at minimum hold the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in their field of research or teaching.
The J-1 scholar and professor categories are not appropriate for full-time study at PSU. Individuals who desire to pursue a course of study should pursue a student visa status. Since the DoS rarely allows exchange visitors to change categories (e.g., scholar to student) without first returning home, applicants should carefully choose their correct status.
Prior to reapplying for entry into the United States, J-1 scholars are often required by law to return to their home country for two years to use the skills and knowledge they have gained. Please contact ISSS for more details or see the J-1 Prospective Scholar page.
Hosting International Scholars and Professors
PSU departments interested in hosting a J-1 scholar must complete the International Visiting Scholar Request Form and submit it to ISSS. The department should gather the necessary information from the scholar and submit the entire packet at one time.
Download Visiting Scholar or Professor Request Form
The Hosting Process
- Department completes International Visiting Scholar Request Form along with support materials and forwards to Anne George in ISSS. Departments should submit applications six months prior to scholar start date – three months prior at the absolute minimum.
- ISSS applies for a DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility issued through SEVIS.
- ISSS provides scholar or professor with DS-2019 (signed by the PSU Responsible Officer), department’s letter of offer or appointment, and information on how to apply for a J-1 visa.
- If outside the US, scholar or professor applies for a J-1 visa at a US Consulate overseas. If already inside the US, scholar or professor must consult with ISSS advisor about possibility of changing status or sponsor.
- If outside the US, the scholar or professor applies for entry into the US with J-1 visa and the DS-2019 at a US port of entry. Upon entry, J-1 scholar or professor will receive an I-94 card marked “J-1”.
- Upon arrival at PSU, J-1 scholar or professor must check in with ISSS within 10 days of start date on DS-2019 form. Failure to do so will jeopardize the individual’s legal status in the US. Scholar will then check in with Human Resources to complete the Courtesy Appointment and receive an ODIN account.
- Please note: It is the responsibility of the hosting department to help the visiting scholar secure housing and transportation from the airport to the university. ISSS provides the scholar with general information on PSU Housing, private housing in the area and transportation options with their scholar pre-arrival packet.
Courtesy Appointments: Please use the sample letter from the HR site Courtesy Appointment. Be sure to include a paragraph indicating specifically what the scholar will be doing at PSU.
Paid Scholars: Please use a regular HR appointment letter, but include an additional paragraph detailing the individuals’ roles and responsibilities at PSU. You must use a wage agreement (not a PSC) when inviting a paid international J-1 scholar.
The department is expected to maintain professional contact with the scholar while they are at PSU by offering access to the department through invitations to meetings and events, and for the scholar to sit-in on occasional courses. Office space is not a requirement of the hosting department.
Arrival and Departure – 30 Day Grace Periods Before and After Scholar Dates
J-1 Scholars may enter the United States up to 30 days before the start date on their DS-2019 forms. They also have an additional 30-day grace period following the end date of their DS-2019 forms to remain in the US and prepare for departure. If a scholar departs the United States during the 30-day grace period at the end of the program, the scholar has ended his or her J-1 program and may not return to the US as a J-1 visitor.
If a new J-1 scholar will be delayed or late and plan to enter the United States more than a week after the start date on the DS-2019 form, please contact ISSS immediately. It may be necessary to change the start date on the documentation or in SEVIS. Failure to do so may jeopardize the scholar’s ability to enter the US in J-1 status.
Arrival Check-In (Mandatory)
Upon arrival in the US, J-1 scholars must check in by contacting ISSS for an appointment. Scholars are required to check in at ISSS within 15 days of the start date of their program. The university is required by law to report scholars who fail to check in and failure to do so could result in the termination of their program, so this check-in is VERY important. If the scholar will not arrive within 15 days of the start of their program, it is important to notify the International Scholar Advisor. Scholars need to bring their passport, I-94 Departure Card, DS-2019 form, and proof of health insurance for themselves and any J-2 family members. Scholars will be issued documentation to obtain a PSU guest or faculty ID card. Scholars who will be paid by PSU will be issued an employment authorization letter.
Extension of J-1 Status
J-1 status may be extended for up to five years. (Short-Term Scholars are limited to six months total program time.) Requests for extensions must be received at ISSS prior to the end date on the scholar’s DS-2019. The PSU department must provide a new letter of appointment containing new dates of appointment, anticipated activities, and any department-provided funding. The J-1 visa holder should submit the original letter to Human Resources and a copy to ISSS. Scholars must show proof of meeting minimum funding requirements for the duration of the extension. ISSS will issue a new DS-2019 as provided by the Dept. of Homeland Security.