Background and Overview
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 other countries through educational and cultural exchanges." The U.S. Department of State has authority over the J-1 program. Currently, there are 13 categories of J-1 visitors, including students and scholars.
J-1 Exchange Visitors (Scholars) at UC Berkeley
Based on the purpose and the length of visit at UC Berkeley, J-1 Exchange Visitors (scholars) will be placed into one of the following J-1 categories:
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Research Scholar or Professor
These categories are available to scholars with UC Berkeley appointments that are 3 weeks to 5 years in duration. Appointments of less than 5 years are eligible for extensions with the UC Berkeley department’s support. In a U.S. Department of State rule announced on January 11, 2007, Research Scholars or Professors whose DS-2019 and program come to an end after November 18, 2006 will be barred from returning to the U.S. in J-1 Research Scholar or J-1 Professor category for 24-months. The 24-month bar does not prevent you from returning to the U.S. in J-1 Short-Term Scholar or in any other visa category such as F-1, B-1, B-2, H-1B, WB, or WT. -
Short-Term Scholar
This category is appropriate for scholars with UC Berkeley appointments up to 6 months in length. A DS-2019 issued in the J-1 Short-Term Scholar Category cannot be extended beyond 6 months. The J-1 Short-Term Scholar category is a good option for scholars whose programs are short in nature.
Your J-1 Program Information
In the links below, you will find important information about your J-1 program, depending on your time of arrival: