The J visa's formal name is the Exchange Visitor Program and is governed by the U.S. Department of State. The Program was created to “…promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange […]”.
Yale's Exchange Visitor Program is reviewed by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the State Department every two years. Our Exchange Visitor Program does not allow any patient care or clinical activities without express permission from the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS.).
To learn more about how the Department of State runs the J Exchange Visitor Program, please watch a short video or read the information posted on their website. You can also read their Welcome Brochure, which summarizes many of your rights as an Exchange Visitor.
What J-1 Cannot Be Used For
The J-1 visa cannot be used for ladder-track or tenured appointments as well as Managerial and Professional (M&P) or Clerical and Technical (C&T) positions.
M.D. Scholars
In most cases, M.D. students and scholars are prohibited from engaging in any clinical activities during Yale's J-1 Exchange Visitor visa sponsorship. International medical graduates often use the J-1 visa sponsorship of another agency: the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates for clinical residency and fellowships.
Important Information
Review the following important information:
- Review the J-1 visa policy on English language proficiency
- Review details of the J-1 health insurance requirement (you will be asked to confirm that you will have adequate insurance coverage for the entire period
- Do not purchase plane tickets or make travel plans until OISS can confirm issuance of the J-1 Form DS-2019
- Read an overview about arriving in New Haven and orientation
Contacts and Concerns
Contact Your Department
Before coming to New Haven, it is important for you to communicate directly with your host department at Yale regarding your arrival date, and details of how to begin your employment. Please read your Yale job offer letter carefully, and ask your department if you have any concerns about the salary, benefits, lab or office set-up and expectation of work schedule.
Contact OISS
If you do not understand the terms of your work status , or if you still have unanswered questions, please contact your adviser in OISS. If you ever have any immigration questions, OISS should be your first resource. We are happy to help you understand the complexities of U.S. immigration policies.
Contact the Department of State
As an Exchange Visitor (J-1), your visa is governed by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). The Office of Private Sector Exchange Administration Academic and Government Programs (OPA-AG) monitors and enforces full compliance with Department regulations and policies with a focus on exchange visitor's health, safety, and well-being; and responds to complaints and incidents. At any point prior to coming to Yale, or during your program, you should feel free to contact the DOS using the information below.
- Telephone: (866) 283-9090
- Email: agalert@state.gov
Cultural Exchange Opportunities
The cross-cultural component of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program gives participants the opportunity to learn about U.S. society and culture. At the same time, international visitors are critical members of the Yale community by sharing perspectives and challenging assumptions across academic disciplines. In addition to your academic goals, Yale invites you to participate in the many cultural and social events being offered around the campus, and in particular at OISS. Whether you are seeking an English language discussion partner or wanting to join a Speed-Friending event with American graduate students, OISS offers countless opportunities to network and socialize with the Yale community. Here are just a few cultural events and resources:
- OISS Events and Programs
- OISS Community Connections (not running in 2020)
- English Language Discussion Group
Also check out the amazing Yale Events Calendar.
