Students in J-1 status may accept employment under certain conditions. If you have questions about or would like to determine your eligibility for J-1 employment, please contact Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS).

Academic Training is authorization that allows a student to participate in practical training directly related to the major field of study.

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program was developed by the United States government in conjunction with governments of countries around the world to serve as a forum for educational and cultural exchange.  The program provides opportunities for students, scholars, and their dependents to spend time in foreign countries learning skills and sharing their knowledge and culture. 

J-1 status is used for professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, and specialists for temporary participation in approved programs of teaching, research, observation, and consultation. The two most common types of J-1 visitors to UCD are research scholars and professors. Postdocs, lecturers, visiting scientists, and visiting researchers are all eligible to apply for a J-1 visa.

J-1 status is used for professors, research scholars, short-term scholars and specialists for temporary participation in approved programs of teaching, research, observation and consultation. The two most common types of J-1 visitors to UCD are research scholars and professors. Postdocs, lecturers, visiting scientists and visiting researchers are all eligible to apply for a J-1 visa.

Processing times:

• Four (4) weeks for an initial I-20 or DS-2019 for a newly admitted freshman or transfer students
• Two (2) weeks for all other requests

The SISS student team will do their best to process your request in a timely manner. However, submitting your request inside the processing time may result in a benefit denial. 

We hope you have a productive and enjoyable experience at UC Davis.  When a J-1 scholar finishes his or her time at UC Davis, the scholar should do the following things:

• More: Overview
• Arrival
• Current Scholars
• Orientation
• Health Insurance
• 2-Year Residence

• More: Overview
• Arrival
• Current Scholars
• Orientation
• Health Insurance
• Categories

• More: Overview
• Arrival
• Orientation
• Health Insurance
• 2-Year Residence
• Categories

When first arriving at UC Davis, J-1 scholars must check-in with SISS by completing our iGlobal check-in eForm. Scholars should refer to instructions provided to you with your SISS welcome packet. Timely check-in is required for SEVIS record validation and new J scholar orientation sign up. If you have questions, please email SISSscholar@ucdavis.edu.