Pre arrival information for Scholars

J-1 Program Duration

Each J-1 program category has varying restrictions for minimum and maximum duration of the scholar's program.

Research Scholar/Professor = Three Week Minimum & Five-year Maximum. Individuals in the J-1 research scholar or professor category may remain in the U.S. for a maximum of five years, including time spent at another institution in J-1 scholar status, as long as participation is consecutive.

J-1 Short Term Scholar = No Minimum & Six Month Maximum. Individuals in the J-1 short term scholar category may remain in the U.S. for a maximum of six months with no possibility of extension beyond this limit.

 J-1 Scholars coming to the University of Maryland must follow this application procedure:

STEP	ACTION
1. Receive an invitation or offer from the department sponsoring you	Department will send an offer letter or confirmation of their agreement to sponsor you on a J-1 program
2. Provide the following documentation to your department (at least 3-4 months in advance of your intended start date of employment)	DS-2019 Data Collection Form Passport cover page Brief description of research/teaching CV/Resume Proof of Degree Immigration history to the U.S Proof of funding, if not being paid by the University of Maryland Dependent information (if applicable)
3. Receive J-1 DS-2019 and pre-arrival packet from department in the mail.	You should NOT book a visa appointment at your US embassy/consulate until the department notifies you that your DS-2019 form has been created. Once you recieve the DS-2019 form you should: Review the DS-2019 for errors Pay the SEVIS fee of $180 online, at least five days before the visa interview Complete the DS-160 visa application form and schedule a visa interview at the US Embassy/Consulate Receive the visa stamp from the US embassy/consulate Visa wait times vary from country to country. OIS plans for an average of 1 month for to book a visa appointment, receive the visa and make travel and housing arrangements for your stay in the U.S.
4. Make travel arrangements and carefully review the pre-arrival information that came attached to your DS-2019 form	Review the requirements listed in the pre-arrival package If you are bringing health insurance from your home country, be sure to bring adequate proof of your coverage.
5. When you arrive at the University of Maryland, you must:	Report directly to your department and then to OIS for check-in withyour immigration documents including: Passport Visa I-94 Card DS-2019 form Attend an OIS J-1 scholar orientation session Provide proof of valid health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay Complete SEVIS verification