Inviting a J-1 Scholar

Prospective UCLA international scholars require a DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility Form from DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office to apply for a J-1 Visa Stamp at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. UCLA academic departments are expected to initiate and submit the DS-2019 Request Application to DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office on behalf of the scholar. New DS-2019 requests should be submitted at least 3 months prior to start date of program to give scholar enough time to apply for the J-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy and make travel arrangements.

Notice to Department Coordinators prior to completing DS-2019 Request Form

  • The minimum educational level required is a master's degree or bachelor's degree with one or more years of full-time research experience following completion of undergraduate studies, and currently enrolled in the second year of the master's program within the same filed in which the research is to be conducted.
  • A fully or predominantly virtual program is not permitted.
  • If the visitor had been in a previous J program (except in a Research Scholar or Professor Category) which lasted for more than 6 months and seeks to begin a new program, on J-1 Research Scholar or Professor category, there must be a 12-month gap between the end date of the previous J program and the starting date of the new program before they can be eligible to enter the US to start the new program.
  • If the visitor had completed a previous J program in the U.S. as a Professor or Research Scholar, they are subject to a 24-months bar (gap) to start a new J-1 program as a Professor or Research Scholar.
  • If the visitor has applied for an H class visa or U.S. Permanent Resident status (‘green card’) they are NOT eligible to apply for a DS-2019 form for J visa status.
  • If the visitor had applied for and received a Waiver of the Two-Year Home Residence Requirement from the State Department or USCIS, they are NOT eligible to extend their current DS-2019 form.
  • If the position is tenure track, visitor is not eligible for J-1 status. Cannot be a candidate for a tenure track position.
  • Visitor's primary site of activity must be UCLA, unless visitor is conducting activity at an off-campus institution as part of a collaborative project with UCLA and is maintaining their UCLA appointment. There must be a written agreement between UCLA and the other institution in relation to the visitor's activity. If the visitor is only working remotely from a residence and will not be present at UCLA, they are NOT eligible to apply for a DS-2019 form for J visa status.

Please note, the Dashew Center does not oversee scholars at the UCLA School of Medicine. The David Geffen School of Medicine Visa and Licensing Office handles ALL J-1 visa related matters for visitors in the School of Medicine and other affiliated hospitals.