ISSS will consult with scholars, divisions and departments on individual cases to determine the appropriate type of visa and category for researchers and professors from other countries. We recommend consulting with ISSS as far in advance as possible to allow adequate planning time.
In January 2007, the U.S. Department of State confirmed that the effective date of the Five Year Research Scholar/Professor regulations is November 18, 2006. J-1 Programs that have not ended before this date and programs beginning after this date are subject to the new 5 year limit regulations.
The maximum length of program for J1 Exchange Visitor in the Research Scholar category or Professor category has been increased from three to five years. The five year maximum stay for a J1 Research Scholar/Professor is not counted in the aggregate. The five year “clock” begins with the start date on the DS2019 form. This status remains available until the end of five years or the date the J1 program is concluded, whichever is earlier. At UCSC, the initial DS2019 will be issued for the duration of the appointment and can be extended up to a maximum of five years at the request of the hiring division.