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Funding Requirements

J-1 Regulations require that J-1 Exchange Visitors (EV) demonstrate sufficient funding for the duration of their J-1 program (plus additional funding for any J-2 dependents). The OIS must collect proof of financial support prior to issuing or extending a DS-2019 form. 

J-1 visiting students must demonstrate at least $2,000/month for individual living expenses (an additional $600/month is required for each J-2 dependent family member i.e. spouse/child). Funding may be in the form of JHU funding, funding from outside organizations, government funding, or personal funds. 

*J-1 regulations for the category of “Student Non-Degree” carry specific funding requirements. For example, students may be required to receive a substantial portion of their funding from a source other than personal funds (this may include tuition waiver value). * 

Funding Documentation Guidelines

Visiting Students with JHU Funding

Visiting Students with JHU funding are those that will receive a stipend directly from their JHU hosting department as stated in their letter of invitation (*this does not include tuition waiver value).  

  • The JHU department must upload relevant invitation documentation through iHopkins 
  • If the JHU funding does not meet the minimum requirement of $2000/month, the department must collect additional proof of external funding from the Visiting Student and upload it to iHopkins  
  • Additional proof of funding may be required if the Visiting Student will be accompanied by J-2 dependent family members  
Visiting Students with External Funding

JHU hosting departments must collect proof of external funding that meets the minimum funding requirement of $2000/month for Visiting Students with any portion of their program being funded by sources other than JHU (may include funding from other institutions, outside organizations, government funding, scholarships, or personal funding).

External financial documentation must meet the following guidelines: 

  • All funding should be dated within the last three months at the time it is submitted to OIS
  • English translation must be attached to any funding documents that are not in English. For unofficial translations, the Certification by Translator Form must be attached  
  • All foreign currency documentation must be converted to US dollars.  Include documentation of the currency conversion (www.oanda.com is a useful site for this) 
  • Institutional/External Organization Funding:
    • Documentation from external organizations should be provided on letterhead (in English or with translation) with the amount of funding, and start and end date during which the funding will be available
  • Personal Funding:
    • If personal funds will be used to support the J-1 visiting student’s stay, documentation must be provided by the student or a family member, which confirms availability of funds and includes account holder’s name, date of statement, available balance and currency type
    • Examples of acceptable personal funding include bank statements showing account balance, or a letter from bank confirming sufficient funding to meet estimated costs
    • If documentation other than a bank statement/letter is provided, it must reflect liquid assets available for immediate withdrawal. Retirement accounts, property, tax documents, salary certificates/pay stubs, and personal credit cards/lines of credit are unacceptable
    • Any funding provided by a family member must be accompanied by an affidavit of support form

Health Insurance

J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents are required to carry health insurance for the duration of their J-1 program that meets the minimum requirements as mandated by the US Department of State. 

Visiting students must purchase JHU Student Health Insurance coverage.  Waivers will not be allowed for any outside insurance coverage.  For additional information regarding the University Health Insurance plan please contact your school’s Registrar’s Office. The OIS cannot assist with any health insurance related questions.

J-2 Dependents do not have to purchase the University’s Health Insurance Plan, but they must have health insurance coverage that meets the minimum Department of State requirements throughout the duration of their stay in the US.