Below is a general timeline for the initial J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) visa process. This process requires the coordination of the Exchange Visitor, the OIS, the sponsoring Hopkins department and the U.S. Consulate. It is important to understand that the times given below are estimates as there are numerous factors that could cause the process to take longer than expected.
*The total average timeframe OIS estimates between inviting the Scholar to JHU and their arrival on campus is 3 to 5 months.
J-1 Initial Visa Timeline for Exchange Visitors at JHU
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1
Department submits completed J-1 eForm request to OIS (1-3 months)
- Department completes credentialing and acquires appointment documentation for incoming EV
- Department grants iHopkins access to EV to complete eForm process
- EV completes 2 required iHopkins eForms + dependent eForm, if applicable
- Department completes 4 required iHopkins eForms
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2
OIS reviews iHopkins request and issues DS-2019 (10 business days)
- Completed eForm requests are assigned to OIS advisor for review and processing
- EV receives instructions to access DS-2019 electronically and prepares for visa application
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3
EV applies for J-1 visa stamp (3-12 weeks estimated)
Only when EV has received DS-2019 from OIS, they must:
- pay SEVIS fee
- Apply for J-1 visa stamp
- Receive J-1 visa stamp in passport
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4
J-1 EV arrival – within 30 days of DS-2019 start date
- Prior to arrival to the U.S., EV must complete online J-1 scholar orientation
- Within 3 days of arrival, EV must complete electronic J-1 check-in with OIS
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5
J-1 EV begins their program on DS-2019 start date
*EV may only engage in JHU program during the dates listed in the box 3 of DS-2019
| Timeline Definitions *EV – Refers to the J-1 Exchange Visitor invited to engage in an activity at Johns Hopkins University *DS-2019 – Immigration document issued by OIS that the J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) must use for J-1 Visa appointment and gain entry to the U.S. *SEVIS – The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (an electronic government database that contains immigration-related information for F, M, and J Visa holders) *OIS – The Office of International Services at Johns Hopkins University |
Department administrators can access detailed information by visiting J-1 Request Process Overview.
After OIS Completes J-1 Request
Beyond the internal J-1 Request process at Johns Hopkins, and after an individual receives their DS-2019 form, there are a number of immigration-related factors that may influence their ability to arrive to the U.S. and begin their program at Hopkins. These are outlined in more detail on our Website under the sections listed below:
For more information about J-1 scholars transferring to JHU or extending their program at JHU, refer to the timelines below:
If you have questions about sponsorship of a J-1 Exchange Visitor, please contact the OIS at [email protected].
Office of International Services
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