International Students and Scholars Services

The J-1 Scholar category at University of Maryland is used by academic departments to bring in international Exchange Visitors as researchers, short-term scholars and visiting professors. The J-1 status is appropriate for most research scholars and for temporary faculty who do not hold permanent, tenure or tenure-track positions. Examples of temporary faculty include post-doctoral associate, faculty assistant, and visiting scientist and visiting professor.An individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing or consulting at a post-secondary accredited educational institution.

The process of requesting a J-1 DS-2019 begins when an academic department decides to sponsor a foreign national for an exchange visitor program.  Departments will find below a step-by-step description of the process for sponsoring a J-1 exchange visitor (EV) in the following categories: Research Scholar, Short-term Scholar, Professor or Specialist categories.

Descriptions of the J-1 Scholar and Faculty Exchange Visitor program for research scholars, professors and specialists and timeframes.

ISSS works with academic departments to support F-1 and J-1 students to maintain their immigration status.

Academic department responsibilities for H-1B, J-1 Student Intern and J-1 Scholar international exchange visitors.

The process and documents required to apply for your U.S. visa.

To obtain your I-20 or DS-2019 Form, you must show you have the financial resources to support your academic year.

Change status within the United StatesIn general, non-immigrants who are maintaining lawful status may apply for a change of status within the U.S. by applying to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).