A Division of the International Studies Office
New J-1 Scholar Welcome
Welcome to the University of Virginia.
Your Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, more commonly known as form DS-2019, will be posted to your ISSP portal.
- DOCUMENTS AND VISA APPLICATION
The DS-2019 is a US Government document that tells the staff at an American Embassy or Consulate that you are being sponsored for J-1 status by UVA. It is impossible to obtain a J-1 visa without a DS-2019. You must have the original, signed form in order to apply for the visa at the US Embassy or Consulate nearest you. Information about applying for the visa can be found here:
Please remember that the start date listed on your form is the date that you are expected to begin your program at UVA. You will need to plan to arrive prior to that date. Once your visa has been approved you can enter the US up to 30 days in advance of the start date listed on your DS-2019 form. If you will be delayed, we will need to adjust your program dates.
- MANDATORY CHECK IN
Once you have arrived in the US you are required to register for and attend a virtual orientation with our office. Information about the check in process is here:
MANDATORY CHECK IN AND ORIENTATION
- HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENT
You are required by US government regulations to obtain health insurance that meets specific requirements outlined here:
You will need to provide documentation that you have obtained appropriate insurance when you arrive. If you will receive health insurance as a benefit of your employment at the University, you will need to enroll in the J-1 insurance option offered through University Benefits.
- SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER FOR INCOME TAX REPORTING
If you will be employed by the University you will be required to obtain a Social Security number. You can apply for the number after you arrive in the U.S. Detailed information is here:
- HOUSING OPTIONS
The International Studies Office cannot directly assist you in obtaining housing in Charlottesville, but information about housing options can be found here:
- COMMUNITY RESOURCES
In addition to the specific activities outlined by the faculty member or department hosting your program you are invited and expected to participate in the life of the community here in Charlottesville and take advantage of the many social and cultural opportunities available to you. Information about programs and activities sponsored by our office including information about English language support and other resources in the University community and the Charlottesville area can be found at these links:
Social and Cultural Programming
- REGULATIONS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The U.S. government currently has a “zero tolerance” attitude and, in many cases, policy toward J-1 regulation violations. Even seemingly small, unintended violations can result in severe penalties. For your own sake, help the ISO help you by taking the information and advice we provide seriously. The responsibility for understanding and complying with the information and advice we provide rests with you, not with UVa or the ISO. Please read and understand the regulations and reporting requirements outlined here:
REGULATIONS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS