Change of Visa Status for J-1 Scholars

If you are already in the U.S. but are not in J-1 status (for example, if you are a student on an F-1 visa), you may need to change visa status.

There are two ways to change status to J-1.

Change of Status via Re-entry to the U.S.

The visitor will need a valid DS-2019 and a J-1 visa in the passport. In this case, the scholar must contact the UMN hosting department and ask them to initiate the process to Invite a J-1 Scholar. This option follows the timelines for DS-2019 processing (2–4 weeks) and visa application (varies, depending on the U.S. consulate where the scholar will apply for the visa). Remember that applying for an entry visa can be complicated, lengthy, and potentially risky. The department and/or foreign national should discuss this option with an ISSS J-1 advisor.

Change of Status to J-1 Within the U.S.

A J-1 advisor at ISSS can help the department and/or the individual determine if they are eligible to change status in the U.S. In this case, the scholar must contact the UMN hosting department and ask them to initiate the process to Invite a J-1 Scholar. However, the scholar will not need to apply for an entry visa at a U.S. consulate. Instead, the scholar will submit the application for the change of status to the Department of Homeland Security. The time needed by the Department of Homeland Security to process a change of status is not predictable (4–9 months).Therefore, this option is not a good choice for someone who needs to start their J-1 program soon.

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Change of Status from F-1/F-2 to J-1

If the scholar is currently in the United States in F-1 or F-2 status, they are eligible for a Change of Status to J-1 either via re-entry to the U.S. or within the U.S.

Change of Status from J-2 to J-1

If the scholar is currently in the United States in J-2 status, they may be eligible for Change of Status to J-1.

  • If the J-2 is subject to the 12 month Bar:
    • The J-2 is not eligible to change status to J-1 Research Scholar or Professor (categories) until they fulfill the 12 month requirement.
    • The J-2 may be eligible to change status to J-1 Short Term Scholar or J-1 Student (categories)
  • If the J-2 is NOT subject to the 12 month Bar:
    The J-2 may be eligible to change status to any J-1 category. However:
    • If the J-2 is subject to the Two-Year Rule (212E), the J-2 is NOT eligible to Change of Status to J-1 within the U.S., and must change status via re-entry to the U.S.
    • If the J-2 is NOT subject to the Two-Year Rule (212E), the J-2 can choose to change status either via re-entry to the U.S. or within the U.S.

Change of Status from J-1 to J-2

If the scholar is currently in the United States in J status, they are eligible for a Change of Status to J-2.

  • If the J-1 is subject to the Two-Year Rule (212E)
    • The J-1 is NOT eligible for a Change of Status to J-2 within the U.S., and must change status via re-entry to the U.S.
  • If the J-1 is NOT subject to the Two-Year Rule (212E)
    • The J-1 can choose to change status either via re-entry to the U.S. or within the U.S.

Remember that any J-2 dependent is eligible to work. However, they MUST apply for and receive employment authorization (EAD) from USCIS. It takes approximately 2–4 months for USCIS to process the request and mail the EAD.

Last updated: June 14, 2021