J-1 Exchange Visitor
Hosting an International J-1 Visiting Scholar
Policy and Procedures for Visiting Scholars
The J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) visa category was created for the purpose of cultural and educational exchange. This visa category is used for exchange visitors engaged in research and/or teaching and any visiting lecturers coming to Loyola for more than nine days. This category is not appropriate for tenure track faculty.
J-1 Exchange Visitors may be funded by Loyola, a government, private organizations, their current employer, or personal funds. ISSS will provide the form DS-2019 for the visitor to obtain a J-1 visa, a change of status or an extension. There is no cost to Loyola University Chicago for this visa. Processing time for the paperwork is 2 weeks.
As is the case with all appointments, these visitors will be provided with access to the university computer network, use of library facilities, and a temporary campus card. In the case of courtesy appointments and depending on the agreement with the hosting professor, these visitors may collaborate in research, receive guidance, or work independently. (Courtesy appointments can be given to Americans or to international visitors.) The sponsoring unit will be responsible for helping the visitor find housing and getting oriented to campus.
J-1 Categories & Periods of Stay:
- Research Scholar/Professor—Minimum of three weeks, Maximum of five years
- Short-term Scholar—Maximum of six months
Loyola's Faculty Administration Office has set guidelines for hosting visiting scholars whether they are American or international. Please contact Faculty Administration for further information. You will find information on this process at the Academic Affairs Visiting Scholar Information Page.
Process for obtaining the DS-2019 for the Exchange Visitor (EV):
- Once a scholar requiring J-1 visa sponsorship is identified, reach out to ISSS for a brief consult to discuss the details of the program and the J-1 visa application process.
- Sponsoring Unit fills out the J-1 EV Sponsoring Unit Request Form, obtains required signatures and returns it with supporting documentation to ISSS (including the J-1 English Proficiency Assessment Form).
- Visitor fills out the J-1 Exchange Visitor DS-2019 Request Form and returns it with supporting documentation to ISSS.
- ISSS prepares the DS-2019 and sends it to the EV.
- Upon arrival in the U.S., the EV must check-in with ISSS and provide proof of health insurance coverage that meets Department of State requirements (J-1 Check-In and Health Insurance Confirmation Form).
If there are any changes in your J-1 EV’s program, the EV should submit the DS-2019 Update Request Form. If there are changes to their status that will end their J-1 term at Loyola University Chicago (such as obtaining permanent residency), change to another status, employment with another institution, resignation, or termination, please submit a (J-1 Exchange Visitor Departure Notice) to ISSS. Upon receipt of this notice ISSS will update the respective exchange visitor's SEVIS record within 7 days of the end date confirmed on the notice.
To request the forms, or for further information, please contact isss@luc.edu or 773.508.3899.