Skip Navigation

J-1 Student Categories

The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa status has many different categories.  Below you will find the most commonly used Exchange Visitor Categories at JHU for students as well as a brief description of each category.  You can easily find your Exchange Visitor Category by referring to section 4 on your DS-2019 document.

J-1 Student [Degree Seeking]

A student admitted to a full-time degree-seeking program.  Certain international students admitted to eligible degree programs within the Johns Hopkins University will be issued DS-2019 Certificates of Eligibility for J-1 student status if the student is financially sponsored by a government or international organization that requires the student to be in J-1 status.  J-1 students must receive a substantial portion of their funding from a source other than personal or family funds. 

  • A minimum stay of three weeks is required.
  • There is no maximum duration of stay so long as the student is making progress towards the educational objective.

J-1 Student [Non-Degree]

A student admitted to JHU as a visiting graduate or undergraduate student or through an established exchange program.  J-1 non-degree students must receive a substantial portion of their funding from a source other than personal or family funds or attend JHU pursuant to an exchange agreement. 

  • A minimum stay of three weeks is required.
  • A maximum stay of two years, inclusive of any period of Academic Training, is allowed.
  • For programs lasting longer than 6 months, will become subject to the 12 Month Bar up conclusion of the program.