To assist in pre-departure planning, incoming scholars are welcome to browse our Student and Scholar Resources page for information relevant to their time in San Diego. Incoming scholars are advised to inform their host departments of their arrival plans.
Information for Prospective Scholars
How to determine if your funding is adequate
We understand that preparing your proof of funding is one of the most critical steps in the J-1 visa process. For your Form DS-2019 to be issued, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient "liquid" funds (bank statements, scholarship letters, or salary verification) to cover your entire stay.
Below is a breakdown of estimated monthly expenses for a single visiting scholar in San Diego for 2026.
| 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 |
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**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. |
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*Information Generated from MIT Living Wage Calculator
Important Considerations for Your Funding Documentation
- We strongly advise having access to an amount of funding that exceeds the cost of living estimates to live comfortably without financial stress.
- Health Insurance Requirements: Federal law requires J-1 scholars to maintain insurance that meets specific criteria (e.g., $100,000 per accident, medical evacuation of $50,000). While basic "J-compliant" plans are affordable (~$50/month), they often have high deductibles. Take the time to study various J-1-compliant insurance plans available to determine the product that best serves your healthcare needs, particularly if you are here on a program with a duration of 6 months or more.
- Dependents: If you are bringing a family (J-2 visa), you must typically show an additional $800/month for a spouse and $400/month per child.
- Housing Market: Most rentals in San Diego require a security deposit (usually equal to one month's rent) and proof that your monthly income is 3x the rent. If you are using personal savings, be prepared to pay several months in advance or provide a larger deposit since you likely won't have a U.S. credit history yet.
Tip: When submitting your bank statements, ensure they are in English (or accompanied by a certified translation) and clearly show the currency. If the funds are not in your name (e.g., a parent or home university), you will also need a Letter of Support from that sponsor. The translation requirement also applies to proof of insurance, if purchased from a company outside the United States.
Health Insurance Requirement
Scholars coming in on a J-1 visa must ensure that they have obtained the required health insurance coverage for themselves and their J-2 dependents before arriving at USD.
| External Insurance Vendors | See list of External Insurance Vendors* (*USD is not affiliated with any of these companies, and this list should only be used as a reference for researching available comparable insurance.)Must meet Department of State requirements for J-1 insurance. Note: It is common to find plans online that specifically cater to J-1 requirements — USD visiting scholars have, in the past, been able to successfully use such plans to meet the conditions of their J-1 visa. We highly recommend that scholars study each plan's specific features and provisions to ensure that their chosen plan meets their needs, particularly if one has special health conditions. |
|---|---|
| USD insurance options for benefits-based employees | Only applies to scholars with certain contracted employment; must be supplemented with medical evacuation and repatriation insurance coverage. Note: The USD insurance plan available for benefits-based employees allows dependent coverage; however, supplemental medevac and repatriation coverage are still required |
Please note that a J-1 scholar's health insurance coverage dates must at least match the program dates on the form DS-2019.
Upon Arrival
- All new incoming J-1 scholars are required to complete their check in e-forms on iTorero upon their arrival to the U.S. Please note that, apart from the I-94 form, all check in e-forms may be completed pre-arrival. Timely completion of the check-in e-forms is needed for the validation of the J-1 scholar's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- Scholars must schedule a time to check-in with OISS to receive a travel endorsement signature.
- Scholars must also arrange a time to report to their supervising faculty or host department, once they are on campus.
- If an ID number has already been obtained for the scholar, the scholar may go to Campus Card Services to obtain a Torero Card.
- Scholars and professors under a paid contract must report to Human Resources to fulfill I-9 requirements. If a J-1 scholar must obtain a Social Security Number for paid employment purposes, they are advised to wait for a few days after the validation of their J-1 SEVIS record before applying for an SSN.
Current Visiting Scholars
It is extremely important for a J-1 exchange visitor to maintain his or her status while in the U.S. Failure to maintain status is a ground for removal from the U.S. (deportation). Exchange visitors maintain their J-1 status by engaging only in activities permitted under their program and category, filing timely and appropriate transfer and extension notifications, refraining from unauthorized employment, and maintaining required health insurance coverage. Each category will have additional specific requirements.
- Exchange visitors are required to maintain the following documents at all times:
- valid DS-2019
- valid passport
- Exchange visitors must study, teach, or conduct research at the institution listed on the DS-2019.
- Exchange visitors must carry health insurance for both themselves and their dependents (J-2s), if any. The insurance must be maintained throughout the program period on the DS-2019 and must offer repatriation and evacuation benefits.
- Exchange visitors must report a change of address to the Office of International Students & Scholars within 10 days of the move.
- Exchange visitors must not remain in the U.S. longer than 30 days after completing the activity for which they have been invited to participate in at USD.
- Address (residence)
- Contact Information (Email and Phone Number)
CHANGE OF ADDRESS PROCEDURE: Please email internationaloffice@sandiego.edu to report any changes to your local address.