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J-1 Scholar

The Exchange Visitor Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS), allows Stanford University to use the J-1 scholar categories to host international researchers and instructors for prearranged periods of time.

Most J-1 programs require a minimum stay of three weeks and allow a maximum stay of five years. The Short-Term scholar category of J allows an exchange visitor to enter even for a day or two, with a maximum stay of six months; the Research Scholar allows the exchange visitor to have a stay of up to five years. Both categories allow the visitor to engage in research, collaboration and teaching.

Departments are responsible for requesting a J-1 visa document (DS-2019) from Bechtel International Center. Once Bechtel has issued the DS-2019, the Stanford department is notified to pick up the document and mail it to the J-1 scholar. The scholar uses the DS-2019 to apply for a J-1 visa at a U.S. consulate in the student's home country.