J-1 Exchange Visitor Program

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program was created in 1961 as part of the Fulbright-Hayes Act, a public law written to "increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of the other countries through educational and cultural exchanges." The U.S. Department of State has authority over the J-1 program. Currently, Florida Tech has 5 categories of J-1 visitors. The purpose and length of the scholar's visit at Florida Tech will determine the appropriate category (See also J-1 Categories at Florida Tech).

J-1 Program Information

In the links below, you will find important information about the J-1 program at Florida Tech.

IMPORTANT: If requesting a visitor on the "J" immigration document, DO NOT request a Guest Role ID number. The visitor will receive an ID number on their immigration documentation so that they may receive an ID after checking in. 

UPDATE: The US Department of State is now allowing for the emailing of a visitors DS-2019 immigration documentation; once the ISSS Office receives and processes the request, the documentation and additional important information will be sent to the visitor by the ISSS Office.

For Florida Tech Departments:

• Purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program
• Hosting an Exchange Visitor
• J-1 Eligibility
• Transfer Eligibility Form (PDF)
• J-1 Process Overview (PDF)
• DS-2019 Request Instructions
• Required Funding Documentation
• Department Responsibilities
• J-1 Exchange Visitor Categories at Florida Tech

For Scholars:

• Prospective Researchers and Scholars
• Applying for a Visa and Payment of the SEVIS Fee
• Entering the U.S.—What to Expect
• J-1 Responsibilities? (PDF)
• J-1 Pre-Arrival Procedural Checklist
• Arrival Checklist
• Inviting Family to Join or Visit You
• Family Matters
• Maintaining Legal Status in the U.S.
• Address Notification Requirement
• 24-month Bar on repeat Visits
• 2-year Home Residency Requirement
• Health Insurance Requirements
• Travel and Re-entry to the U.S.
• Off-Campus Employment/Payment Authorization
• Taxes in the U.S.
• Extending J-1 in the U.S.
• Transfer of J-1
• Changing Your Immigration Status
• Returning J-1 Researchers and Professors
• J-2 FAQs
• Understanding Your Visa
• J-2 Employment
• J1 Academic Training Updated April 2018
• J-1 Student Hardship Employment Permission