This section is for MSU departments that are considering hosting or are actively hosting a J-1 scholar. If you are a scholar looking for information, visit the J-1 Scholars & Student Interns page.
Is a J-1 Scholar the Right Option?
J-1 scholars come to MSU to:
Before starting a request, confirm that the prospective scholar meets the minimum education and experience requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in another field and at least six years of equivalent professional experience
And:
If you are unsure whether J-1 status is appropriate, contact the OISS J-1 Team before submitting a request.
The hosting department is responsible for the $150 J-1 scholar hosting fee. The fee is assessed after the scholar arrives and completes immigration check-in, and not charged if the scholar is unable to arrive.
The fee supports:
Step One: Choose the appropriate J-1 category
The category cannot usually be changed after the scholar enters the U.S., so it is important to choose the correct category before submitting the request.
Step Two: Request a DS-2019
Gather the required information using Scholar Electronic Request Questionnaire.
The department provides:
The scholar provides:
Step Three: Complete the Export Control Review
Departments must submit the Export Control Worksheet (ECW) to the MSU Office of Export Controls & Trade Sanctions.
OISS cannot issue a DS-2019 until the ECW has been approved.
Step Four: Submit the J-1 Scholar Request in MyOISS
All J-1 scholar requests must be submitted through MyOISS
Departments are responsible for:
J-1 Scholar Application Instructions (PDF)
Step Five: OISS Review & DS-2019 Issuance
Once the department chair approves the request, OISS will complete an initial review within 10-15 business days.
If additional information is needed, OISS will contact the department. If additional information is not needed, the DS-2019 is typically issued within 2-3 business days.
Step Six: Scholar Receives DS-2019 & Pre-Arrival Materials
OISS will provide the scholar with instructions on how to download their DS-2019. DS-2019s are issued electronically, which scholars must print and sign.
Online J-1 Scholar Orientation must be completed prior to check-in
Immigration Check-In:
New scholars must complete Immigration Check-In through MyOISS
Failure to complete check-in within 30 days of the program start date may result in automatic SEVIS record/DS-2019 cancellation
Welcome Reception:
OISS hosts a welcome reception for new J-1 scholars every Friday. Details (time and location) are sent to the scholar via email prior to arrival.
Department Contacts Listserv:
Departments are strongly encouraged to subscribe to the J-1 Scholar department contacts listserv. This listserv provides updates on policy changes, reminders, and best practices.
To subscribe, send an email to listserv@list.msu.edu with "SUBSCRIBE JDEPTCONTACTS" in the message body (not the subject line).
Departments must notify OISS of any changes, including:
Review the Host Department Confirmations for a complete list of reporting requirements.
Extensions may be possible when:
Extensions require both department and scholar eForms submitted through MyOISS.
Before leaving MSU, scholars should:
During the 30-day grace period, scholars: