J-1 Exchange Visitors

J-1 Exchange Visitors include students, scholars, researchers, and trainees participating in programs that promote cultural exchange between UIC and the Exchange Visitor’s home country government, organization, or academic institution.

Quick links for current and prospective J-1 Exchange Visitors Heading link

Current J-1 Exchange Visitors

New and prospective J-1 Exchange Visitors

Exchange Visitor Program overview Heading link

The U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program is designed to promote international academic, scientific, and cultural exchange in order to develop mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. The program brings Exchange Visitors to the U.S. on a temporary basis to engage in exchange activities in various “categories.” Exchange Visitor categories sponsored at UIC include: Student, Research Scholar, or Student Intern, among others. The nature and scope of the Exchange Visitor’s visit to the U.S. will guide OIS in determining the most suitable category for each visitor. The Exchange Visitor program should not be used as a general means of employment, though the source of funding may be from a U.S. sponsor, including UIC.

As an Exchange Visitor, you are encouraged to participate in cross-cultural learning opportunities to supplement your official exchange activities at UIC. OIS offers programming that will expose you to U.S. American culture and provide opportunities for you to share your own.

UIC participates in the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program as an official Program Sponsor. OIS and the UIC academic departments hosting Exchange Visitors are obligated to maintain the integrity of the program by following the rules and regulations as set forth by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). This obligation includes regular reporting through the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Learn more about these government agencies at their websites below.

Maintaining J-1 Exchange Visitor status basics Heading link

All Exchange Visitors are required to have sufficient proficiency in the English language, as determined by an objective measurement of English language proficiency, to successfully participate in their program and to function on a day-to-day basis in the U.S.

All J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to demonstrate adequate funding for the duration of their program.

To maintain lawful status, you and any active J-2 dependents must have health insurance that meets the minimum requirements as defined by the U.S. Department of State throughout your entire program duration.

Per Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, some J-1 Exchange Visitors are subject to what is called the two-year home-country physical presence requirement.

The 12 and 24-month bars are J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) program restrictions that limit certain individuals previously in J-1 or J-2 status from beginning a new EV program in the categories of Research Scholar and Professor.

J-2 dependents are defined as the spouse or unmarried children, under the age of 21, of a J-1 Exchange Visitor.

Different types of J-1 Exchange Visitors at UIC Heading link

In addition to the basic J-1 EV status maintenance topics covered above, you will have additional status maintenance considerations specific to your J-1 EV category and program sponsorship. Click below to learn more about the most common J-1 EV categories at UIC.