International Students and Scholars Office

A J-1 scholar member at Brandeis may be authorized to conduct occasional lectures and accept payment or honorariums only if the activity is approved by the scholar's department or supervisor and the ISSO.

1. The scholar member must provide an official offer letter to the ISSO that clearly states the nature of the activity, the date(s), the location, and the total amount of payment. The ISSO can provide a letter template upon request.
2. If the activity is approved, the ISSO will generate a new Form DS-2019 and provide a letter to confirm the authorization.

If your department would like to extend your appointment at Brandeis University, you may be eligible for an extension of stay. This process needs to start before the end date listed on your DS-2019.

Scholars members should consult with their department about the reappointment process. If a reappointment has been approved by the appropriate department/administrative office, proof of financial support for the duration of the extension must be provided. The ISSO will then prepare an updated Form DS-2019 with a new end date.

J-1 Exchange Visitors leaving Brandeis University to go to another U.S. school may need to transfer their SEVIS record to the new institution.  J-1 Exchange Visitors may transfer from one program sponsor to another if the purpose of the transfer is to complete the academic objective for which they were admitted. 

The J-1 transfer process requires careful coordination between several different parties, including the current sponsor, the new sponsor, and the individual scholar. 

J-1 Exchange Visitor transfers for scholars may be possible if:

• The scholar will be engaged in research and/or teaching in the same subject area across both institutions. A change in the area of research or teaching is usually not permitted.
• The scholar has sufficient time within the maximum duration of program participation allowed for the J-1 category. 
  • J-1 Research Scholars and Professors are permitted a maximum program duration of five years. 

Example:  If a J-1 scholar spends three years with one sponsor, they will have only two years of eligibility remaining with their new sponsor. If the J-1 Scholar has already spent five years with their current sponsor, they will be ineligible to transfer.

• There is no gap between the end date of the current J-1 program and the start date of the new J-1 program.  The new J-1 program sponsor must agree to take over the Scholar’s J-1 sponsorship the day after the current sponsor agrees to end their sponsorship. The scholar should consult with international scholar advisors at both institutions in order to identify the J-1 transfer release date.
• The J-1 scholar will have adequate J-1 health insurance coverage across both institutions and during the transfer process.
• The J-1 scholar has not applied for or obtained a waiver of the Exchange Visitor Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement (212e) 

SEVIS J-1 Scholar Transfer-Out Process

If are a current Brandeis scholar and you plan to transfer to another U.S. institution, provide the ISSO with the following information:

• Your  intended employment end date date
• Evidence of your acceptance to a new J-1 scholar program at a U.S. institution (i.e. An appointment or invitation letter)
• The J-1 program sponsor code of your new institution 
• The contact information of the J-1 scholar advisor at your new institution so that the ISSO can coordinate the details of your J-1 SEVIS transfer
• If the J-1 SEVIS transfer is approved the new program sponsor will issue a new Form DS-2019 to reflect details about the scholar's activity at the new institution

Professor and Research Scholar exchange visitors are permitted to participate outside the United States for a short period of time if they are in pursuit of current and relevant program activities. However, more than 30 days outside of the United States is considered a break in program activity. If a J-1 scholar needs to leave the United States for more than 30 days, they should reach out to the ISSO to seek guidance. 

J-2 dependents may not remain in the United States while the J-1 exchange visitor is absent from the country for any significant period of time (more than 30 days). The Department of State advises J-2 dependents to accompany the primary J-1 outside the country whenever possible. 

If you have any questions about traveling outside the United States and maintaining your status for you and your dependents, please contact us.