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J-1 Exchange Visitors are admitted into the United States in J-1 status in order to pursue academic activities with a specific J-1 program sponsor. The U.S. Department of State [DOS] requires J-1 Exchange programs to be conducted within the U.S. on a full time, and primarily in-person basis at the approved activity site(s), which are listed in section 1 of the form DS-2019. (This DOS Guidance Directive from 2023 clarifies the parameters of J-1 exchange program participation). Virtual or fully remote exchange programs are not permitted.

There are very limited circumstances in which an “active” J-1 Exchange Visitor at JHU may temporarily deviate from the full-time and/or in-person participation requirements. Beyond receiving approval from OIS and the JHU hosting department, all requests must be approved by other relevant JHU entities (if applicable), such as export control, Global HR, Tax office, JHURA, General Counsel and others.  

Leave of Absence [LOA]

  • If there are circumstances impacting the health, safety, or welfare of the EV or their immediate family members; or circumstances beyond the EVs control [i.e. visa or travel delays, etc.]; a LOA may be considered. *Note– the J-1 Exchange Visitor program is not designed to accommodate voluntary leaves of absence for personal reasons other than those described above
    • For visa related delays, EVs may be asked to provide documentation confirming visa appointment date/location and any DOS case status update from CEAC Visa Status Check
    • For medical LOA, department must follow school-specific processes for LOA approval in addition to OIS approval
  • J-1 EVs and their hosting departments must consult OIS for leave requests;
    • for unpaid leave of any duration
    • for leave of more than 30 consecutive days [paid or unpaid]
  • With OIS approval, the EV and department should complete the J-1 LOA Form
    • OIS will only approve an LOA for 30 days at a time. If the LOA exceeds this timeframe, a NEW LOA request must be submitted

J-1 Out of Country

  • The J-1 Out of Country status allows J-1 program sponsors to keep the SEVIS record active for EVs in the Research Scholar or Professor categories, while they temporarily engage in activities at institutions abroad and have plans to return to the U.S. in J-1 status. Activities must be pre-approved by OIS and integral to the EV’s J-1 program objective at JHU
    *Note– the J-1 program does not support voluntary remote work from abroad, and OIS is not in a position to authorize such requests
  • If the EV will be outside of the U.S. for more than 30 days while actively participating in program activities at an institution abroad, the EV and department must consult OIS in advance of an EV’s departure from the U.S.  
  • With OIS approval, the EV and department should complete the J-1 Out of Country Request Form