Appointment Dates
In setting the appointment start date, departments must allow sufficient time for the collection of required data and documents, the preparation of the visa document (e.g. J-1 DS-2019) and/or submission of the immigration petition to USCIS (e.g. H-1B), as well as the time required to obtain a U.S. visa and travel to the U.S. (if the individual is not already in the U.S.). Below are guidelines that will help determine a realistic start date.
- For J-1 Scholars and J-1 Student Interns, the requested start date must be at least 90 days from the date ALL documentation and data are submitted to OISS (except for Canadian citizens who do not need to apply for a U.S. visa.). Typically within 10 business days, of receiving a completed OISS Connect request, OISS will issue the DS-2019 needed for the visa application and entry to the U.S .
- For H-1B sponsorship, which requires applications to both the Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the requested start date must be at least 4 months from the date ALL documentation is is submitted to OISS.
- If the scholar is already in the U.S., the timeline may be different. Hiring units should consult with OISS.
Funding Requirements (J-1 Visa Only)
U.S. immigration regulations require that Yale verify and document adequate funding arrangements for all incoming scholars on J-1 visas. In all instances, the minimum level of funding must be met before a visa document/DS-2019 can be issued.
Postdoctoral Affairs Appointments
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs sets minimum funding amounts for the positions of postdoctoral associates and fellows, postgraduate associates, laboratory associates and visiting fellows. For the academic year 2023-2024 the minimums are:
- Years 1-4: $65,000
- Years 5-6: $68,000
Details on Postdoc Compensation Minimums
Postgrad, Laboratory Associate, and Visiting Fellows
- $38,400 per year ($3,200 per month)
Details on Postgraduate Compensation Minimums
Details on Other Appointment Type Minimums
Faculty Appointments
- YSM or Public Health Faculty (Teaching and Research): Please contact the Office of Academic & Professional Development
- FAS and Other Professional School Faculty (Teaching and Research): Please contact the Office of Faculty Administrative Services
- Visiting appointments: $38,400 per year ($3,200 per month)
Dependents
- An additional $9,600 per year ($800 per month) for an accompanying spouse and $6,900 per year ($575 per month) for each accompanying child.
- For Postdocs, the minimum funding takes the additional spouse and child(ren) amount(s) into account, so the funding for the Postdoc may be less than stated above. See calculator below to get an idea of the minimum funding amount.
J-1 Total Minimum Funding Requirements Calculator*
* Disclaimer: this calculator is meant to provide you with an idea of the minimum funding requirements, and results are not guaranteed to be accurate . Results should not be taken as professional advice, or relied upon as the sole basis for making important decisions.
Appointment Not Funded by Yale
If the J-1 scholar appointment is not funded by Yale, OISS requires documentation of the source and amount of funding (meeting at least the minimum requirements above), such as a letter of support or an award letter or other third party support. J-1 scholars and any accompanying dependents must have health insurance coverage regardless of funding source.
Visiting Undergraduates Participating in Research or Clinical Activities
Funding for Visiting Undergraduates Participating in Research or Clinical Activities must meet the same minimum funding requirements.
H-1B Sponsorship
Requests for H-1B sponsorship must follow the DOL regulations funding, Prevailing Wage, regardless of the Yale funding level.