J-1 Students

Please note that the information below is only for J-1 Visiting Students who are coming to Northeastern as visiting researchers. This information is not intended for J-1 Visiting Students who are coming to Northeastern as part of an exchange program and will be enrolled in classes. Please visit Pre-Arrival for J-1 Students if you are coming as part of an exchange program.

J-1 Visiting Student Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the J-1 Student Non-Degree (Visiting Student) category, the visitor must currently be enrolled in a degree program abroad (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral leve) and have a temporary academic appointment at Northeastern University.

Additionally, prospective J-1 Visiting Students must:

  • Demonstrate English proficiency. English is assessed by the college as part of the appointment approval process.
  • Have a valid passport to request a DS-2019.
  • Demonstrate adequate financial support for all living expenses for the duration of their stay in the United States. This includes additional financial support for any accompanying dependents (family members).
  • Purchase and maintain health insurance that meets J-1 visa requirements for the duration of their program.

For an overview of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, please visit j1visa.state.gov.

Requesting the Initial Form DS-2019

The Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status is required to apply for the J-1 visa. The DS-2019 identifies the Exchange Visitor (EV) and their sponsor and provides a brief description of the EV’s program, including the start and end date, and the exchange category. The DS-2019 is created by the Office of Global Services (OGS) using the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Application process

1 The Human Resources Contact in the host college will initiate the Visiting Student Request for Initial DS-2019 once your appointment is approved by the Provost's Office. 

See the Human Resources Contact in the host college list here.

For more information on the visiting appointments approval process, please visit the Office of the Provost’s website or reach out to the HR Contact in your college.

2 You will receive an e-mail from the myOGS system prompting you to login and complete the required e-forms. 

3 The HR Contact will submit the completed application to OGS for review.

4 Once your DS-2019 is ready, you will receive an e-mail that contains Northeastern's J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Number and your SEVIS ID.

This information is required to schedule a visa appointment at the United States Embassy or Consulate.

5 The HR Contact or hosting department will ship the DS-2019 via FedEx or another secure international carrier.

By law, OGS is not allowed to electronically distribute copies of the DS-2019.

 

For information on the visa application process, please see Visa Process for J-1 Visiting Students.