J-1 Prospective Scholars
This information is provided for prospective international scholars to Portland State University. PSU Departments interested in hosting or hiring an international visiting scholar should see here.
PSU hosts over 100 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. PSU is a sponsoring institution for the J-1 Exchange Visitor program, which is monitored by the Department of State (DoS).
This program is:
A program to provide study, teaching, research, observation, consultation, sharing of skill, cross-cultural activities, or a combination thereof conducted by PSU and institutes and organizations with which it is affiliated for students, professors, researchers, short-term scholars, and specialists.
J-1 Visa for Visiting International Research Scholars and Professors
J-1 visas are issued to non-immigrant exchange visitors including scholars, professors, and researchers with a specific research or teaching plan at PSU who plan to stay from a few weeks or up to five years.
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. If you intend to seek a degree you should apply for documentation as a student. J-1 and F-1 student visas have fewer limitations.
Request Process
If you are an international scholar seeking a courtesy or regular appointment at PSU, first contact the academic department of your field. Portland State academic departments are involved in the invitation of each visiting scholar. This means that the scholar and the department would need to have a mutual interest in collaborating in a research or teaching area. Prospective scholars may wish to contact a specific department here at Portland State to describe your research interests and whether or not there may be a mutual interest in collaboration. Once it has agreed to host you, the PSU department will work with International Student and Scholar Services to provide you with necessary documentation for visa application.
Each academic department maintains a website with a list of faculty and their research areas. For a list of academic department websites at Portland State University, please see our webpage at the following address:
For a list of academic departments at PSU, see Portland State University Academic Departments.
After the PSU Department completes the necessary paperwork, ISSS will apply for and send you a DS-2019 form. You will use this form to apply for a J-1 visa at a US Consulate in your home country or country or residence.
Arrival to Portland State University
Scholars may enter the United States up to 30 days before the start date on their DS-2019 forms. You will also have an additional 30-day grace period following the end date of your DS-2019 form to remain in the US and prepare yourself for your departure.
If you are a new J-1 scholar and will be delayed or late and plan to enter the United States more than a week after the start date indicated on your DS-2019, please contact ISSS immediately. It may be necessary to change the start date on your documentation or in the SEVIS system. Failure to do so may jeopardize your ability to enter the United States in J-1 status.
Two-Year Home Residency Requirement
Some J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors are subject to the Two-Year Home Residence requirement also known as the “Two-Year Rule” or “212(e)”. An exchange visitor may be subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement if an exchange program was funded by the United States Government, the J-1’s own government, or an international organization. The J-1 visitor may also be subject to the requirement if the education, training, or skill the visitor is pursuing appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List for the visitor’s country. If a J-1 is subject to the requirement all accompanying J-2 family members become subject to the same requirement.
Prior to changing visa status or applying for entry into the United States as an H-1B, TN, L or permanent resident, 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. Contact International Student and Scholar Services to see if this requirement may apply to you. The Two-Year Rule does NOT prohibit a visitor from returning to the United States as a tourist or F-1 student at any time.
Visitors subject to the Two-Year Home Residence Requirement may apply for a waiver of the program. For more information, see the US Department of State Waivers website. Please speak with a J-1 advisor before filing a waiver application. A waiver application can severely impact your ability to apply for a visa renewal or J-1 extension.
J-2 Family Members
If you are a J-1 visa holder, your spouse and/or minor children may accompany you by obtaining J-2 visas. Proof of sufficient finances to support additional family will be required. Each person will receive his or her own DS-2019 and must apply for a J-2 visa at a US consulate prior to entering the US. After arrival, J-2 visa holders may apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service for permission to work.
If a J-1 scholar or professor will be away from Portland State University for more than 30 days it is advised that any J-2 family members depart with the J-1 student.