Pre-program Information for J-1 Visa Visiting Scholars

J-1 Visa Eligibility, Faculty Host Eligibility and Responsibilities
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How to Request the Form DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility Needed to Apply for the J-1 Visa
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Information for J Visa Scholars with Active Programs (after check-in with Global Engagement)
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Program Start Date

J visa holders can enter the USA up to 30 days before or after their program start date. However, they MUST check in with the Office of Global Engagement (Global Engagement) no later than 30 days after the program start date to be eligible for validation in the federal system. Failure to report by this deadline will result in the automatic cancellation of the SEVIS record.

The Utah State University (USU) faculty host needs to send an email to exchangevisitors@usu.edu requesting a change to program dates if the visiting scholar is unable to arrive and check-in with the Global Engagement within this time frame. They need to specify the exact new program start date and the exact program end date. 

Visiting scholars can check in with Global Engagement Thursdays at 10:00 AM. They must complete the “Submit Arrival Documentation” and “Submit Insurance Documentation” requests found under “Requests” in the Scholar Portal before attending the check-in. They will need to bring all immigration documents for them and their dependents to the check-in.

212(e) Restriction

The 212(e) restriction requires a J visa holder to spend a total of 2 years in their home country before the USA will issue an immigrant visa (e.g. H-1B employment visa, other visa types with a pathway to permanent residency). This 2-year restriction does not apply if the individual wants to return to the USA on a non-immigrant visa (e.g. B-2 tourist, another J-1 visa program, etc.). The two-year home country physical presence requirement is explained on the reverse side of the Form DS-2019.

The consular officer determines if an individual is subject to the 212(e) requirement based on the funding source for the program and the Exchange Visitor Skills List. 

More information about the 212(e) physical presence requirement can be found on U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

J Visa Insurance Requirements

All J-1 visa holders and their accompanying dependents are required by law to be insured the entire duration of their program regardless of whether or not they are physically present in the United States.

Minimum coverage must provide:

  1. Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  2. Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
  3. Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of exchange visitors to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
  4. Deductibles not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

Visiting scholars on the J-1 visa should wait until after they have the visa and made travel plans to purchase the required insurance. This should be done BEFORE traveling to the USA.

Insurance plans which MAY meet the J-1 Visa insurance requirement: 
- IMG
- Meridian
- HCC Atlas
- Seven Corners
- Visit Insurance
- ISO International Student Insurance
- International Student Insurance
- Student Secure
- iNext International Insurance

USU Insurance

Visiting scholars are only eligible for USU insurance if the department employs them in a benefitted position. The department’s Business Services personnel can provide visiting scholars with information about the process to enroll in the USU insurance, along with other employee onboarding processes. Information is also available on the Human Resources’ websites:

NOTE: The benefits offered to employees of Utah State University do not provide the full coverage required to maintain the J-1 visa status. The High Premium (Blue) plan meets the $500 deductible required for the J-1 visa insurance. The exchange visitor must also purchase an additional plan from an outside vendor to provide the required minimum coverage of $25,000 for repatriation of remains and $50,000 for medical evacuation.

  • One option for supplemental insurance for medical evacuation and/or repatriation of remains is Betins (866-552-8834).

Housing

Visiting scholars are responsible to arrange for their own lodging. USU Housing does not have housing options for visiting scholars.

This list is provided as an informational resource, but we cannot confirm or guarantee the accuracy of any information, or the availability of the properties found through these resources. The apartments associated with these resources are not owned, operated or endorsed by USU. Scholars are responsible for all due diligence before signing contracts or agreements with off-campus properties. 

Facebook Group: Utah State University (USU) Housing, Sublets & Roommates

Facebook Group: Logan Homes for Sale or Rent

Facebook Group: USU Apartments, Rooms, Sublets - Logan, UT

Facebook Group: Utah Homes for Rent or Sale

Facebook Group: Cache Valley Homes & Apartments for Rent

KSL Marketplace

RentCollegePads - Logan Apartment-Finding Tool
This is an online tool to help new incoming students search for housing in Logan that matches their needs. If you would like to use this tool, visit RentCollegePads.

Verified Property Management Agencies
The following list of online housing websites can be confidently used to locate appropriate off-campus housing:
- Catalyst Property Management
- Coldwell Banker Property Management
- Logan Preferred Property Management
- Apartment Guide Property Management

Trusted Classified Websites
- Utah College Housing Classifieds

Another resource is through social media groups:
International Students at USU: https://www.facebook.com/groups/USUinternationalstudents/
USU International Student Council: https://www.facebook.com/USUISC/?fref=ts

Social Security Number (SSN)

Only noncitizens authorized to work in the USA can get an SSN, per this document from the Social Security Administration. Information on how to apply for the SSN is available on this SSN information form.

Visiting scholars should apply for the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for their dependent if they need to file a tax return.

Dependents

Dependents (spouse and children under the age of 21) can choose to enter the USA on the J-2 dependent visa or another visa type (e.g. B-2 tourist visa). The visa used to enter the country determines what activities an individual may engage in while in the USA. It may also limit the time an individual is present in the USA. 

J-2 dependents are not required to be physically present in the USA with the J-1 primary. Also, they are not limited to the 30-day restriction on travel outside the USA as required for the J-1 primary. Thus, they are free to enter and exit the USA throughout the duration of the exchange visitor program for the J-1 primary.

Global Engagement can add dependents to a J-1 primary SEVIS record at any time when it is in "Initial" or "Active" status. The dependent will need a copy of the visiting scholar’s updated Form DS-2019 when applying for the J-2 visa. They should also have a travel signature from Global Engagement on their Form DS-2019 if they will arrive after the J-1 primary checks in with Global Engagement. The SEVIS record will be in active status, and the Customs & Border Patrol official may expect to see the travel signature.

J-2 Visa Employment Authorization

J-2 visa holders need to apply to the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) permission to work. They should not begin employment until they receive the EAD card.

Only the eligibility categories noted on the USCIS Automatic Employment Authorization Document Extension may work for the specified period after the end date on their EAD card. Eligibility categories not listed on this site may not work until they obtain the new EAD card. At last review the eligibility category (c)(5) for J-2 dependent was NOT on this list. 

We strongly recommend dependents obtain the Employment Authorization Document before engaging in any work, paid or unpaid, other than volunteer work as defined below. You may also want to refer to an immigration attorney for guidance on this matter.

Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) Emergency Hotline

1-866-283-9090

This is a 24/7 toll-free telephone number which allows exchange visitors to directly contact the U.S. Department of State in emergency and urgent situations. Exchange visitors also need to follow up with Global Engagement as soon as possible.

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