As you are considering coming to the University of Chicago in J-status, please carefully review the information below:
Affiliation with the University of Chicago
The first step in the process to obtain J-1 status is to establish your relationship with a department in the University. Only upon request from the Human Resources or Academic Affairs Administrator in a University department will a Form DS-2019 for purposes of obtaining a J-1 visa be issued by our office. You will require this form to obtain a J-1 visa from the U.S. consulate or embassy nearest you. Once you have received your visa, you will be able to make your travel arrangements to come to Chicago.
J-1 Categories
While the non-immigrant status in question is J-1, this status includes several categories. Each of these categories has its own set of responsibilities and benefits, and it is important that you understand these. There are three possible J-1 categories under which a visitor might come to the University. Each category has its own regulations and limitations. A J-1 Research Scholar or J-1 Professor may stay up to 5 years, but this category has significant drawbacks, such as the two-year home residency requirement and the two-year repeat bar. While the J-1 Short-Term Scholar category does not have some of those drawbacks, it only allows the scholar to stay for a maximum of 6 months.
J-1 versus H-1B
In cases where someone could qualify for both J-1 and H-1B status, the University will sponsor J-1 status, unless significant circumstances mitigate against J-1. For further information, please consult with your department in the University or contact our office at international-affairs@uchicago.edu.
Additional Resources
- English Language Requirement for Prospective J-1 Status Holders
- Check-in
- Cross-Cultural Activities for J-1 Exchange Visitors
- Daily Life in Chicago
- Welcome Brochure from Department of State
- J-1 Scholar Handout
- J-1 Scholar Personal Information Sheet
- J-1 English Language Requirement
- J-2 Employment Authorization
- Orientation for J-1 Non-Students
- Postdoctoral Researcher Benefits Plan (Insurance)
- Postdoctoral Researcher Policy Manual
- Practical Information for Spouses and Partners
- Required Insurance for J-1 Exchange Visitors and J-2 Dependents
- SEVIS Fee
- Transfer to the University of Chicago
- Two-Year Home Residency Requirement & Two-Year Repeat Bar
- Wilberforce Pamphlet on Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers
Reminders:
- Do not come in B-1/B-2 status or under the Visa Waiver Program, unless specifically instructed to do so by our office!
- Do not schedule your visa appointment before you have received the Form DS-2019 from us!
- Do not make your travel arrangements before you have the visa in hand!
- Do not assume that lack of compliance up front can be fixed later!
- Click here for more information on who may come to the University of Chicago in tourist status.