J-1 Scholars

A J-1 Exchange Visitor Form DS-2019 is issued to exchange visitors who come to the United States to teach, conduct research, study, or receive training as a participant in an Exchange Visitor Program designated by the Department of State. Officials of the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell will issue a Form DS-2019 to eligible individuals for the purpose of obtaining a J-1 visa, under the appropriate category, to seek admission to the U.S. The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa was established to facilitate educational and cultural exchange. For this reason, it is intended for temporary appointments or exchanges only.

Before initiating the J-1 process for an international exchange visitor, it is strongly recommended that departments contact an ISSO advisor who can describe the process, address any questions or concerns, and assess any risks or timeline issues associated with the planned exchange or visit.

J-1 Scholar Intake Form

Exchange Visitor Categories

UMass Lowell sponsors three scholars' categories under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program:

Research Scholar:

A J-1 Research Scholar’s   primary purpose is conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project at a research institution, corporate research facilities, or similar types of institutions. A research scholar also may teach or lecture if authorized by the hosting department at UMass Lowell.

Professor:

A J-1 Professor’s primary purpose is teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at post-secondary accredited academic institutions or similar types of institutions. A professor also may conduct research if authorized by the hosting department at UMass Lowell

Short Term Scholar:

This category is appropriate for a visitor who is a professor, research scholar, or a graduate student with advanced educational background or accomplishments and is invited at UMass Lowell for a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills at research institutions or similar types of institutions. Extensions are not possible. Repeat participation in six-month short-term scholar programs is not permitted.

Minimum and Maximum Allowed Program Participation Time

General Requirements

• Sufficient English language proficiency to successfully participate and complete the objective the research or academic program and to function safely on a day-today basis.
• Appropriate educational background and qualifications must meet the criteria of J-1 EV category sponsored by UMass Lowell. Undergraduate students do not qualify for J-1 Scholars, Short Term Scholars, and Professor academic or research appointments at UMass Lowell
• Appropriate activities in the Exchange Visitor Program must be clearly outlined. For example, a Research Scholar or a Professor should receive academic appointments for research and/or teaching purposes and not to mostly perform support administrative staff tasks.
• J-1 Exchange visitors in the category of Research Scholars, Professor, or Short-Term Scholars may only be invited by current and active UMass Lowell faculty, researchers, or officials.
• The purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Programs is to “promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by educational and cultural exchanges.” Therefore, it is expected that J-1 Scholars, Short Term Scholars, and Professor will perform predominantly in-person and on-campus programs. Any activities part of the J-1 visitor’s program that need to be performed off-campus, remotely or in an out of country setting must be reported in advance.
• Demonstrated Financial Support for the period of stay under the UMass Lowell's visa sponsorship and academic/research appointment
  • $24,672 per year or $2,056 monthly for J-1 principal
  • $5,140 per year or $428 monthly for each J-2 dependent
  • NOTE: No more than 25% funding can come from a personal/family bank or savings account. Non-Personal funding must come from a recognized funding source i.e., funding from home institution, fellowship, scholarship, stipend. Visitors can be paid by the UMass hosting department.
  • Dependents can be covered with 100% fully personal funding.
• Health insurance requirements must be met by all J-1 and J-2 EV upon admission into the US and maintained for the full duration of stay in the US in J-1 and J-2 status.
• Submission of End of Program requests or Transfer requests must be sent to the ISSO at the end of the UMass Lowell’s program, according to outlined procedures
• J-1 Scholars are required to report any type of incident impacting their and their dependents’ stay at UMass Lowell, their safety and a variety of other adverse or negative episodes.
• Some J-1 Exchange Visitors should be aware of Repeat Participation Bar and 2-Year Home Residency Requirement, when applicable.
• Visitors coming to UMass Lowell for independent research, scientific conventions, meetings or other similar educational purposes may choose to independently apply for a B-1 Temporary Business visa or use Visa Waiver Program route, if eligible. UMass Lowell faculty or departments planning to invite visitors to campus for independent research, meetings, scientific conferences, seminars, conventions, and other similar academic purposes should consult with the ISSO.