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Information for participants requiring J-1 sponsorship

The information on this page is for individuals who have been admitted to Summer or Winter Institutes within The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHBSPH).  The Office of International Services (OIS) provides J-1 visa sponsorship to participants who enroll in the full-time equivalent of 2 credits per week.  Participants must apply directly to the institute(s) and enroll through the JHBSPH before visa sponsorship can be requested through OIS. Participants will work with a designated Institute Coordinator within the host department in the JHBSPH. The Institute Coordinator is responsible for initiating the J-1 sponsorship request and will give the institute participant access to a set of electronic forms to complete for J-1 visa sponsorship. Participants should contact their JHBSPH host department to initiate this process.

The following documents need to be provided to the institute coordinator so that they can initiate a J-1 sponsorship request:

  • copy of funding documents (see requirements below)
  • documentation to fulfill the English Proficiency Requirement (if you do not have documentation to fulfill Options 1 or 3, your institute coordinator will contact you regarding an interview)

J-1 Request Process

The institute coordinator will initiate the J-1 sponsorship request and provide you with access to complete your portion of the request. 

  1. You’ll receive an email from J1-Advising@jhu.edu containing a login ID and PIN for accessing iHopkins, the OIS online request system.  Once you log in, you’ll see 3 e-forms. 
  2. First complete and submit the Applicant Information Form. 
  3. Then complete and submit the eShipGlobal Shipment Request Form located under Document Shipment Request. 
    • Once you submit this form, you’ll leave iHopkins and go to eShipGlobal’s website where you will set up and pay for the shipment of your visa document, Form DS-2019. 
  4. After paying for the shipment, you must return to iHopkins, access J-1 Exchange Visitor- Initial Form to complete the eShipGlobal Shipment Order Information and the Health Insurance Pledge Forms. 

The institute coordinator will then complete your J-1 request and route it to the OIS where your DS-2019 will be created and sent to you within 10 business days.

REQUIRED funding documentation (to be provided to institute coordinator):

  • Participants must show proof of funding equal to $2000 per week to cover the cost of living expenses for the duration of their institute.
  • All funding should be dated within the last three months at the time it is submitted to OIS
  • Funding from Johns Hopkins should be noted in the letter of invitation.
  • Documentation of funding from all other sources should be provided on institutional letterhead with the amount of funding and dates during which the funding will be available.
  • If personal funds will be used to support the participant's stay, a personal bank statement can be provided to show proof of the availability of funds. The bank statement must include the participant's name. If the bank statement comes from a family member, an affidavit of support must also be attached.
  • English translation must be attached to any funding documents that are not in English. (Translations using online services such as Google Translate will not be accepted.)
  • All foreign currency documentation must be converted to US dollars. If an unofficial translation is provided, attach the Certification by Translator Form. Include documentation of the currency conversion (www.oanda.com is a useful site for this).

Shipment of DS-2019

As part of the E-form request process, participants will be directed to the eShipGlobal website to set up and pay for the shipping of your form DS-2019.  eShipGlobal provides three options for the shipment: FedEx, DHL and UPS.

Health Insurance

While in J-1 status, participants must maintain health insurance.  Make sure to review the health insurance requirements prior to purchasing a health insurance plan. 

Check In with the OIS

Upon arrival, participants are required to check in with the OIS. Check in is completed electronically and does not require a visit to the OIS. Participant's will receive check in instructions via email from the OIS thirty days before your DS-2019 start date. The check-in process should be completed within 24 hours of the start date of the institute.  

FAQs for International JHSPH Institute Participants 

What is the appropriate visa status for a Summer or Winter Institute Participant?
The Office of International Services (OIS) provides J-1 visa sponsorship to institute participants who enroll in the full-time equivalent of 2 credits per week. Participants who are attending the institutes to earn credit towards a degree program in the Bloomberg School of Public Health are sponsored for F-1 visas.
Can I attend the Summer or Winter Institutes on a B1/B2 visitor’s visa?
The OIS does not recommend use of the B1/B2 visitor visa for institute participants. B1/B2 visa regulations prohibit study and participants choosing to enter the U.S. in visitor status do so at their own risk
How soon after I complete the Institute do I need to depart the U.S.?
Participants in J-1 status have a 30-day grace period after the end date on their DS-2019. During this time, you can remain in the U.S. but it is not permissible to study or work. You must depart the U.S. by the end of the grace period.
How do I check in with the Office of International Services?
The check-in process is completed online and is mandatory for participants in J-1 status. Participants must complete the check-in process within 24 hours of the start of their institute. Failure to complete the check-in process will result in the cancellation of your J-1 record. Participants in J-1 status will be sent check-in instructions by email starting 30 days prior to their institute start date and continuing weekly thereafter until they have completed the check-in process. Check-in can be completed using any device that has an internet connection. Participants will be required to upload photos of their J-1 visa stamp, DS-2019, form I-94 and port of entry stamp.
What do I need to do if I plan to travel internationally during the Institute?

If you will be attending the Institute in J-1 status and plan to travel abroad and re-enter the U.S. during the Institutes will need to obtain a travel signature on your DS-2019.

To request travel signature:

  • Go to iHopkins: http://ihopkins.jhu.edu/
  • Click login under “Students/Scholars/Int’l Employees with Active JHED ID”
  • Click “J-1 Scholar Services” in the menu to the left
  • Submit the "Travel Signature/DS-2019 Reprint Form"

If you will not depart the U.S. until the end date on your DS-2019 or during your grace period, you will not need a travel signature.

Note: International travel [with plans to return to the U.S. in J-1 status] is not permitted during the 30-day grace period after the end date on your DS-2019.

What are the estimated living expenses for attending a BSPH Summer or Winter Institute?
Living expenses are estimated at a minimum of $2000 per week. Participants being sponsored for J1 status must provide documentation confirming that they can cover this amount before we can issue the visa document (DS-2019) for your visit. This does not include the cost of courses
I’ve already completed all of my eForms. How long will it take the OIS to issue my DS-2019?
The OIS will generate your new DS-2019 within 10 business days from when your completed application is received.
What should I do if I will not be able to begin the Institute on time?
Contact OIS at J1-Advising@jhu.edu and your Institute Coordinator to confirm that it is acceptable to arrive late.
When should I make my visa interview appointment?
You should wait until you have your DS-2019 before making your visa interview appointment. Priority appointments at the U.S. Consulate are typically given to J1 visa applicants.
If I have additional questions regarding my visa status, who should I contact?
Please contact the Office of International Services via email at J1-Advising@jhu.edu.
My visa stamp says I am subject to 212(e), what does this mean?
There are three reasons a J1 Scholar can be subject to 212(e). The J1 is engaging in clinical activities, is receiving governmental financing, or the J1’s country of residence is on the Exchange Visitor Skills List issued by the US Department of State. If you happen to be marked subject to 212(e) it is most likely because your country of residence is on the Skills List. If you are marked subject to 212(e) you will have to reside in your home country for a total of two years before being eligible for immigrant status or H1B status. Being subject to 212(e) will not prevent you from returning to the US and you will still be able to enter the US in a number of different visa categories. If you plan to return to the US in less than two years after participating in a Summer Institute with the Bloomberg School of Public Health our office will be happy to assist you with any questions. For additional 212(e) information please visit the US Department of State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html
Can I arrive in the U.S. prior to the start date on my DS-2019?
Yes, technically you may arrive up to 30 days prior to the start date on your DS-2019. If you plan to arrive early please inform your Summer Institute Program Coordinator and ensure that this is acceptable.
What documentation do I need to carry with me on the plane for my arrival to the U.S.?
You should make sure to have your valid passport, your original DS-2019 document, the documentation of your funding and contact information for someone at Johns Hopkins.
Do I need to have health insurance while in J1 status?
In order to maintain your J1 status you are required to maintain health insurance coverage at all times. Your health insurance plan must meet the minimum requirements for J-1 status. If insurance is not provided for you by the University you will need to secure your own insurance through another source.

Information for Department Coordinators

Cut-Off dates for Summer Institute J-1 Requests

English Proficiency Requirement