Scholar

Certain J-1 Exchange Visitors are subject to the two-year home residency requirement, Section 212(e) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.

Current J-1 Scholars can find information about travel both within and outside of the United States, instructions for submitting change of address notifications to SISS staff, and links to additional resources.

How to Get Started

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 [email protected]. 

What to do once you have arrived at UC Davis.

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 thousands of students, scholars, and other academics to spend time in foreign countries learning skills and sharing their knowledge and culture.

• Skip to: Exceptional Extensions
• Change of Status or Departure
• After Permanent Residence

H-1B Exception Overview 

The H-1B status is limited to a six-year status.  However, there are four exceptions to this limit.  It is possible to obtain H-1B status beyond the six-year limit for the following individuals:

H-1B Status Overview for Current Scholars 

Current H-1B employees are required to comply with complex immigration regulations in order to ensure ongoing H-1B for employment, travel, and future immigration benefits such as adjustment of status to permanent resident. H-1B employees, as well as their hiring departments, should contact SISS with any questions regarding H-1B status requirements.

Services for H-1B ScholarsOrientation

We encourage new H-1B scholars to meet with an H-1B advisor at SISS for orientations. These meetings last about 30 minutes and cover issues such as legal requirements for maintaining your H-1B status, obtaining a driver’s license, obtaining a social security number, travel while in H status, and many other issues. We will also give an orientation to the Davis or Sacramento area if H-1B employees are new to this area. 

Sponsoring H-1B Scholars at UC Davis

UC Davis sponsors scholars for H-1B visa status at the request of the hiring department. Generally, UC Davis sponsors H-1B employment for full-time research and teaching positions that meet the prevailing wage requirement indicated by the Department of Labor (DOL). The H-1B is an employment visa category that requires approval from DOL and the U.S.

About TN Status at UC Davis

TN Professional status is for Canadian and Mexican nationals who are engaged in temporary professional activities as defined by the U.S./ Mexico/Canada (USMCA) trade agreement (previously NAFTA). For an overview of the TN status, please visit the State Department webpage.