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The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program allows participants to transfer between two J-1 programs (i.e. two different universities or research institutions). Below is a general timeline for transferring a J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) from their current J program to JHU. This process requires the coordination of the Exchange Visitor, the OIS, the sponsoring Hopkins department, and their current J program.  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.

Department/EVs seeking transfer to JHU must review detailed information and eligibility requirements HERE.

*The total average timeframe OIS estimates between inviting the Scholar to JHU and their date of transfer/JHU appointment start date on campus is 2 to 3 months.

J-1 Transfer-in Timeline for Exchange Visitors at JHU

  • 1

    Preparing for J-1 transfer

    • Department verifies that incoming scholar currently holds active J-1 status with another U.S. institution
    • EV initiates conversation with their current J program sponsor for transfer-out requirements
  • 2

    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 incoming J-1 EV to complete eForm process
    • EV completes 2 required iHopkins eForms + dependent eForm, if applicable
    • Department completes 4 required iHopkins eForms
  • 3

    OIS reviews iHopkins request (10 business days)

    • Completed eForm requests are assigned to OIS advisor for review and processing
    • OIS advisor reviews the request for
      • eligibility
      • immigration history
      • funding
      • academic credentials
      • research program plan
  • 4

    OIS coordinates transfer-in process (2-4 weeks)

    • If eligible for transfer, OIS advisor provides transfer-in form to EV
    • EV coordinates with their J program to initiate SEVIS transfer
    • OIS receives EV’s SEVIS record in transfer pending status

    *Timeline depends on other institution’s transfer-out process

  • 5

    OIS issues DS-2019 on EV’s JHU appointment start date

    • OIS advisor
      • Gains access to EV’s SEVIS record and issues DS-2019 on JHU appointment start date
      • provides J-1 EV instructions to access DS-2019 and complete check-in process
    • J-1 EV
      • completes electronic check-in with OIS
      • completes online J-1 scholar orientation

    *EV may not begin their JHU program until the transfer is completed and DS-2019 is issued under JHU J-1 program

     

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

After J-1 Transfer is Complete

After the EV receives their DS-2019 form, they should review information pertaining to their J-1 status and other resources available to them. This information is outlined in more detail on our Website under the sections listed below:

J-1 Scholar Orientation

Maintaining J-1 Scholar Status

University & Community Resources

If you have questions about sponsorship of a J-1 Exchange Visitor, contact the OIS at [email protected].