J-1 Exchange Visitors

The J visa is a nonimmigrant visa. The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program is "to provide foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States and return home to share their experiences, and to encourage Americans to participate in educational and cultural programs in other countries" (8 CFR 514.1(b)). 

Exchange Visitors (EV’s) enter the U.S. on a J visa. The Form DS-2019 or Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status is required to obtain a J-1 nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad, to extend the stay of the J-1 in the U.S., or to transfer from another institution to UCLA.

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.