Departments are often interested in bringing international students from institutions outside the U.S. to Washington University to conduct research. To do so, a visa is required. There are different choices of visa options, depending upon the specific situation. This chart summarizes the most commonly used options for visa statuses for students who intend to conduct research at Washington University.
 J-1 Student InternJ-1 Non-Degree StudentJ-1 Research Scholar
Activities defined by the Department of State for the categoryEnrolled in and pursuing a degree outside US; primarily in the US to engage in a student internship program rather than to engage in employment or provide services to an employer. A student from overseas may conduct research as the internship activity.Studying; must be engaged full-time in a prescribed course of study. Note that research work can be a prescribed course of study, if the student is registered as a full-time student to conduct this research.Primarily conducting research, observing or consulting with a research project
Conditions to Maintain StatusPursue J-1 activities as Student Intern, as outlined in documentation and on DS-2019/DS-7002Enrolled full-time during academic yearPursue J-1 activities as outlined in documentation and on DS-2019
Dates of Program/Time limitsMay come throughout the year. Maximum of 12 months per academic level.Must come in January or August, consistent with beginning of student academic programs. Limited to 24 months totalMay come throughout the year. Maximum of 5 years
Special RequirementsVarious requirements apply to be certain that the internship is designed to complete the requirements of the degree at the home institution. Main requirement is that the activity is for a learning experience, rather than productive employment.

 

The requirements are listed in the J-1 Student Intern Overview on the OISS departmental website (see below).

Cannot have primary funding as personal or family funds; must be substantially funded by employer, sponsoring agency, University or government agencyMust have earned at least a Masters degree or be enrolled in a doctoral degree program.
ProcessAccepted to internship program by sponsoring department. Departmental immigration/visa liaison is in contact with international scholar advisor at OISS.Admitted as non-degree seeking student.

 

Undergraduate Students- admitted through academic division

Graduate Students: admitted through academic division (GSAS for Arts and Sciences, and DBBS)

Accepted for research position by sponsoring department. Departmental immigration/visa liaison is in contact with international scholar advisor at OISS.
Process to obtain visa documentsImmigration/Visa liaison in sponsoring department enters data into ISD documents to OISS; OISS issues DS-2019 & DS-7002Admitting area enters data into WebISS, submits documents to OISS;

 

OISS issues DS-2019

Immigration/visa liaison in sponsoring department enters data into ISD, submits documents to OISS; OISS issues DS-2019
Documents RequiredChecklist on OISS departmental website (see below) – J-1 link to Student Intern ChecklistChecklist in Appendix B of WebISS Manual (on OISS departmental website (see below) – Information for Admitting DepartmentsChecklist on OISS departmental website (see below) – J-1 link to Research Scholar/Professor Checklist
System of Record (Obtain IDs, how OISS tracks data)HRMS/ID obtained from HRSIS/Student RecordsHRMS/ID obtained from HR
BenefitsWU employment benefits if J-1 is receiving compensation from WU; if not paid by WU, limited eligibility, depending on the benefit. Contact Benefits Office, Library, Athletics, etc.Same benefits as provided to full-time students, including U-Pass, library access, AC useWU employment benefits if J-1 is receiving compensation from WU; if not paid by WU, limited eligibility, depending on the benefit. Contact Benefits Office, Library, Athletics, etc.
Bar to future J study/researchMay not return as J research scholar or professor for 12 months after program, if J program exceeds 6 months.May not return as J research scholar or professor for 12 months after program, if J non-degree program exceeds 6 months.

 

May not change to degree-seeking student as a J.

May not return as J research scholar or professor for 24 months after program is completed.
OrientationGroup orientation conducted by OISSGroup Orientation as part of school’s orientationGroup orientation conducted by OISS
Health Insurance – required by regulation.Can be on a WU plan (if qualified under an employee plan) or insured with an outside provider.Enrolled automatically in student health programCan be on a WU plan (if qualified under an employee plan) or insured with an outside provider
Bar to future J study/researchMay not return as J research scholar or professor for 12 months after program, if J program exceeds 6 months.May not return as J research scholar or professor for 12 months after program, if J non-degree program exceeds 6 months.

 

May not change to degree-seeking student as a J.

May not return as J research scholar or professor for 24 months after program is completed.
Other issuesAll J-1s must report to the OISS upon arrival for validation in SEVIS. Some J-1 will be subject to a two-year home country return requirement. Anyone paid by WU will receive an email to enter data required for the foreign national payroll process. For information on the process for payroll,see the OISS departmental website (see below) under Payroll Process.
OISS Website for DepartmentsContains links for admitting departments, visa processes for departments sponsoring J-1 Student Interns and Research Scholars, health insurance requirements, and the process for payroll and HRMS appointments for foreign nationals.
Departments should consult with the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) about the appropriate visa status for the specific situation, or with other questions related to visas and immigration issues.