J-1 Professors and Researchers

According to U.S. Department of State regulations, the purpose of the J Exchange Visitor Program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges.

It generally takes about 2-6 months for a UCB department to bring a J-1 scholar to campus. Some cases may take longer depending on U.S. Embassy/Consulate visa security clearance processes. For more details, see Inviting J-1 Exchange Visitors.

The J-1 Scholar Process Timeline:

  1. Department/BRS invites visitor
    2-8 weeks
  2. Berkeley International Office processes DS-2019
    10 business days
  3. Visitor makes visa appointment
    2-4 weeks
  4. U.S. Embassy/Consulate processes visa
    1-12 weeks
  5. Visitor arrives in U.S.*
    2-4 weeks
  6. Dept/Berkeley International Office reports arrival to DHS*
    ASAP

*No later than 9 days from start date

Getting Started

J Visitor Requirements

Forms and Templates

Special Cases