New J-1 Students and Scholars
J-1 Visas
J-1 visa programs are administered for exchange visitors by the US Department of State. The J-1 visa encompasses a variety of exchange purposes, each with their own sets of guidelines.
Students:
While there are many categories of J-1 visas, RISD sponsors J-1 visas for students studying in the US for a short period of time.
Faculty and staff:
The J-1 professor, research scholar, and short-term scholar categories are reserved for international faculty and staff hired by RISD. If you are a foreign national hired by RISD to teach a course or conduct research, the J-1 visa may be appropriate to you. Human Resources or Academic Affairs will connect you with our office accordingly.
- Professors: J-1 professors come to RISD primarily to teach one or more courses, but may also be engaged in research for the institution. The maximum duration for the J-1 professor category is five years. Once you complete a J-1 professor position, you must wait at least 24 months before applying again for the J-1 professor program, regardless of whether the initial position duration is less than five years.
- Research scholars: J-1 research scholars come to RISD primarily to conduct research for the institution, but may also teach. The maximum duration for the J-1 research scholar category is five years. The same conditions as those of the J-1 professor position apply here: you must wait a minimum of 24 months after your first position is complete before applying again for the J-1 research scholar program.
- Short-term scholars: The J-1 short term scholar program is similar in purpose to the professors and research scholars programs, but the maximum duration is six months. Short-term scholars are not subject to a 12-month or 24-month bar on repeat participation in the same category, but can not extend their term beyond six months.
Receiving J-1 status
Sponsorship requirements
Once you receive a contract or admission offer, you must next apply for the DS-2019 required for your J-1 visa interview.
All J-1 applicants need to provide valid proof of eligibility, as set forth by federal regulations. Valid forms of proof of eligibility include:
- English proficiency
- finances
- adequate insurance
Specific requirements and forms of proof are listed in the DS-2019 form. Some J-1 categories have additional requirements.
For our office to issue you a DS-2019, you must first receive a contract or admission offer from RISD.
Arrival in the US
When you arrive in the US, you must first complete the arrival confirmation form. International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) will send new exchange visitors the link to the arrival confirmation form directly close to their program start date.
Upon receipt of your arrival confirmation form, our office will validate your record with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS). Please pay attention to emails regarding deadlines and instructions.
J-1 forms
DS-2019 form
The DS-2019 form for J-1 professors, research scholars, and short-term scholars is available upon request by emailing our office.
Travel signature and validation
J-1 visa holders can email issa@risd.edu or bring their DS-2019 to advising hours to receive a travel signature. Travel signatures are valid for one year or until the end of your program (whichever happens first).
SEVIS transfer request
J-1 visa holders requesting to transfer their SEVIS record to another J-1 sponsor can complete the SEVIS transfer request form.
Program extension request
Faculty J-1 visa holders who have had their contract extended, or student J-1 visa holders who need more time to complete their coursework, can submit a program extension request. You must do so no later than two weeks before your current DS-2019 end date.
Please note we cannot extend the DS-2019 past the listed end date. We also cannot extend your DS-2019 beyond the maximum duration allowed by your J-1 category.