The University of San Diego participates in the U.S. Department of State’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, which allows academic departments to bring in eligible international faculty or scholars to engage in short or medium-term teaching assignments or undertake research activities under the supervision of a USD faculty member. Academic departments interested in inviting a visiting professor or researcher are invited to review these guidelines to have a better understanding of the responsibilities entailed in supporting an international faculty or research scholar visit.
Bringing in visiting professors or researchers under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program enables such individuals to receive admission to the US for the duration of their contracted activities, as well as be eligible for payments, stipends, or honoraria under the work authorization provision of this visa category. A foreign national whose intended teaching or research activity (as supported by their host department) will last anywhere from 3 days to more than a year* may be eligible for a J-1 visa.
Once it has been determined that the J-1 visa category will be the appropriate visa to facilitate these research programs, the host department will be assessed a DS-2019 processing fee payable to the International Center, per this memo containing this new policy, issued in 2023.
*Academic departments may host an international scholar (exchange visitor) in the following categories:
Professor/Researcher
(from six months up to five years)
for individuals invited to USD for the purpose of teaching, conducting research, or both. The maximum stay in this category is five (5) years and must be used consecutively in a non-tenure track position.
Short-Term Scholar
(six months or less)
for individuals invited to USD for the purpose of teaching, conducting research, or both, whose activities are carried out in six (6) months or less.
Steps in Hosting an International Scholar
Prospective host department should refer to the International Faculty and Visiting Researcher Checklist for a complete list of steps on how to initiate the hosting process.
Once the formal invitation has been sent and accepted by the scholar, OISS will initiate the DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa) directly with the scholar. Once the DS-2019 packet is generated, it will be released to the host department for mailing.
If further consultation is needed by the hosting department on specific areas, please direct your inquiries to the following departments, as needed:
| Payroll Office or Finance Department | Taxes or tax implications of visiting scholar remuneration |
|---|---|
| OISS | Visa wait times, sample invitation letters, health insurance requirements, and scholar’s proof of funding (if the scholar is self-funded) |
| Human Resources | USD ID, Workday-related processes for both paid and non-paid visiting faculty and researchers |
| Finance Department or your respective budget manager | Contracts |
Responsibilities of Host Departments
Host departments are expected to observe a conservative timeline when it comes to bringing in a scholar under the J-1 category. Please note that OISS is only able to generate a J-1 DS-2019 form once all requirements have been submitted by the scholar invitee. There is a minimum processing time of two (2) weeks for most DS-2019 requests. Keep in mind that a scholar, depending on their home country, may experience either difficulties in securing a visa appointment OR undergo administrative delays in visa processing, typically circumstances that are outside of their control.
Host departments are generally in charge of all administrative arrangements pertinent to an international scholar's visit, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Housing - arranging for scholar lodging, or at the very least providing the scholar with information related to local housing and options for accommodation
- Space - providing office space, if available
- Additional follow-ups - assisting OISS in follow-ups related to the fulfillment of J-1 DS-2019 requirements (such as proof of funding and proof of required health insurance coverage)
- Torero Card - USD ID number requests
- General orientation - Providing the scholar with a brief welcome orientation; topics to be covered must include an overview of USD as an organization, expectations by the host department, local community resources (e.g. public transportation, schools, recreation facilities, etc.), as well as life and customs in the U.S.
- Knowledge of campus - providing the scholar with a campus tour
- Scholar supervision - host departments are required to undertake periodic check-ins with their visiting researchers
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Visiting scholars that plan to come to USD to teach, lecture, conduct research, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills within the duration of their visit are usually brought in under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. The following criteria are required for a prospective scholar to receive a J-1 eligibility document (form DS-2019):
- An official invitation from the host department, explicitly stating the scholar’s expected activities while at USD. The letter should also clearly indicate the scholar’s program dates (start date and end date), in which the scholar is expected to perform and complete their expected activities and accomplish their research objectives.
- Proof of health insurance coverage that meets the Department of State’s standards as applied to J-1 exchange visitors:
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
- A level of English proficiency sufficient to carry out their designated program activities and operate in a primarily English-speaking environment. (See acceptable documents below).
- If scholar is self-funded, they must demonstrate the ability to support their cost of living while physically in the United States.
Notes on English Proficiency
Acceptable documents for establishing English proficiency:
- A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) report; report must not be older than 2 years.
- A letter from a previous employer or academic institution certifying that the applicant has worked or performed in an English speaking-capacity.
- A "Department Attestation" signed by the host department indicating the applicant has demonstrated the ability to work in an English-speaking environment.
2026 Cost of Living Estimates - San Diego*
| Category | Estimated Cost, 1 Adult (Annualized) | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $4,487 | $374 |
| Medical | $3,243 | $270 |
| Housing | $27,597 | $2,300 |
| Transportation | $9,308 | $776 |
| Internet & Mobile | $1,536 | $128 |
| Other** | $4,992 | $416 |
| TOTAL | $51,163 | $4,264 |
|
**Includes clothing, personal care products, and housekeeping supplies. Dependents: Additional $800/month for a J-2 spouse, and $400/month for each J-2 child. |
||
*Information Generated from MIT Living Wage Calculator
After the prospective scholar receives their Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, they must apply for a J-1 visa with the U.S. Consulate in their respective city of residence. For current procedures on how to apply for a US visa, please visit the Department of State website.
Scholars Under Other Visa Categories
For international visitors who will be visiting USD for a brief duration (9 days or less) and for a limited engagement only, such as a one-time guest lecture or presentation, the B1/B2 Visa or VWP may be an option (provided that the scholar already possesses a B1/B2 Visa or is a citizen of a visa-waiver country. Under this specific provision, the international visitor may receive an honorarium and associated incidental expenses.
To assist in determining whether your prospective scholar is eligible to visit USD under the B1/B2 category, the department must be able to answer "yes" to the following questions:
- That the duration of the scholar's activities at USD will be limited to no more than 9 consecutive days
- That the scholar will be conducting independent research and will not be on official appointment or coming under an affiliation
- That conducting research at USD is only incidental to their primary reason for traveling to the U.S. (e.g. tourism, visiting friends or family, conducting other business)
- That the scholar will not be requiring USD credentials (ID number and email address)
Prospective host departments are asked to contact Chia-Yen Lin or Rhona Reyes for a consultation before proceeding with their respective invitations, even if they have already been cleared by the Dean or department head.