Application Process
J-1 scholars will have their initial contact with a teaching or research faculty member in a CMU department. First, the visitor will clarify details of the visit including length of stay, funding arrangements, etc., with the department. The department will then gather certain required information from the scholar and give relevant information to the Office of International Education (OIE). In turn, OIE will issue the Form DS-2019 document electronically to the scholar so that the scholar may obtain J-1 status.
The Form DS-2019 acknowledges that the university has invited you, the scholar, to visit the institution, has authorized your visit, and supports your application for J-1 status. The Form DS-2019 is not a visa, and a scholar cannot enter the U.S. with the Form DS-2019 alone; to enter the U.S., the Form DS-2019 works in partnership with the J-1 visa sticker in the passport. Learn more about a U.S. visa.
Note: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require entry visas to enter the U.S. but must present a DS-2019, as well as financial information when going through a U.S. Port of Entry.
Obtaining J-1 Status from Outside the U.S.
After receiving the required Form DS-2019 document from Carnegie Mellon University and paying the SEVIS fee, make an appointment for a visa interview at a United States Embassy or Consulate. At the visa interview, present the Form DS-2019 and SEVIS fee payment receipt along with other required information. For specific information on applying for a U.S. visa at a consulate nearest to you, visit the U.S. Department of State website and select the Embassy/Consulate at which you will apply.
The visa application process can take several days or several weeks, so plan accordingly. If visa processing takes longer than you anticipated, contact OIE for advice.
We strongly recommend that you do not enter the U.S.in another status, such as B-1/B-2 tourist. You may have difficulty changing your status in the U.S., and more importantly, the immigration official at the port of entry may not permit you to enter the U.S. without a J-1 visa.
Third-Country Applicants
Individuals who are outside of the U.S. and plan to apply for a visa in a country other than their country of citizenship are considered "third country applicants." Only some U.S. Embassies and Consulates will accept applications from third country applicants. Check the website for the Embassy or Consulate that you plan to visit to learn about their policies.
Entering the U.S.
To enter the U.S., you must carry your immigration documents along with your passport and the visa sticker inside your passport. Remember to carry these documents with you onto the airplane. Do not pack them in your luggage.
Please also note the following:
- Scholars must enter the U.S. with the Form DS-2019 from Carnegie Mellon University in order to work at the University.
- J-1 scholars must enter the U.S. within 30 days before or after the start date on the Form DS-2019. Even when the timing is tight, scholars may not enter the U.S. on a B visitor visa, unless it has been arranged with CMU in advance for a visit of fewer than nine days. Entry by any other means may result in loss of employment eligibility as well as other difficulties with immigration authorities.
- Scholars must travel with an unexpired passport valid 6 months into the future.
- Scholars who change plans before the arrival date or decide not to come to Carnegie Mellon University should immediately notify OIE and return the Form DS-2019.
Obtaining J-1 Status from Within the U.S.
Researchers and professors who are in the U.S. in J-1 status under the sponsorship of another Exchange Visitor program may have their sponsorship transferred to Carnegie Mellon. There are limitations to transfer. Scholars may only transfer:
- within the same category,
- if the objective remains the same,
- if the total time in J-1 status is less than or equal to five years (or less than or equal to six months for short-term scholar category), and
- if the SEVIS record is transferred before the end of the current J program.
Current J-1 scholars request the transfer from their current J program sponsor.
Professors or researchers currently in another non-immigrant or visa status should contact an OIE advisor about options for changing status and correct procedures.
J-2 Dependents
You may consider bringing your spouse or dependents to the U.S. to live with you during your exchange program. This section contains information on how to bring your dependents in J-2 status, how they maintain their J-2 status once they arrive and opportunities and resources for them to engage while they're here.
Bringing a Dependent in J-2 Status
If the decision for your dependent to come to the U.S. with you occurs after you have already received your J-1 DS-2019, please follow the process outlined on OIE's Travel Information for Family Memebers, Dependents & Visitors web page. You will need to request a J-2 DS-2019 from OIE so your dependent can join you in the U.S.
Reporting Requirements for J-1 Scholars
OIE must report each dependent's email address in their immigration record. Additionally, OIE must report if a J-2 dependent's final departure from the U.S. occurs before the J-1's final departure from the U.S. Please report this information for each J-2 dependent by emailing OIE@andrew.cmu.edu.
Permissible Activities and Resources for J-2 Dependents
Our Dependent and Family Information web page has information for J-2 dependents on how to apply for work authorization, childcare, English resources, social gatherings, and more.