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⇒ Student & Scholar Adivising ⇒ Faculty, Staff, & Visitors ⇒ J-1 Scholars ⇒ J-1 Researcher and Faculty Services

J-1 Researcher and Faculty Services

Obtaining a J-1 Visa

In order to obtain a J-1 visa, you must submit your Form DS-2019, together with a valid passport, to the American Embassy or Consulate closest to your place of residence.  A J-1 visa in your passport is necessary to enter the United States unless you are a Canadian citizen.  If you are already in the United States and plan to proceed to Indiana University without leaving the country, please consult our office immediately for assistance with the transfer.  Early transfer is especially important if you are to be funded by the University; you cannot be put on the IU payroll until your transfer has been approved through SEVIS or by the US Immigration Service.  Since there can be considerable delay in receiving approval, it is essential that you initiate the process as soon as possible.

When applying for a visa stamp be advised that security clearances can sometimes be required before the US Consulate will issue the visa stamp.  Security clearances, based on name, country of citizenship/birth, or field of study/research, can take 2–6 weeks to resolve.  In rare cases, they can take more than 6 weeks.

When making travel arrangements to your home country or elsewhere, please keep the possibility of these additional wait times in mind.  As always, be sure also that your department is aware of your travel and the possibility of these additional wait times.  If you already have a valid visa stamp and do not need to apply for a new one, the above information will not affect your current travel plans.

For further information, please contact the Office of International Services by email or telephone (812) 855-9086.