Sponsoring and Extending a J-1 Research or Teaching Appointment
To bring a J-1 Scholar, you will need to apply to our office for a Form DS-2019 (J-1 Certificate of Eligibility) which will be used by the scholar to obtain J-1 status.



On 01/01/2023, the funding requirement for J-1 applicants will increase to $3,000 per month.

Department User Guides
- CUIMC: Compass User Guide
- Morningside/Manhattanville: Overview of SSP (Scholar Sponsorship Portal) and SSP User Guide

Before You Sponsor
The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa is used most frequently for research appointments (including post-doctoral research positions) and instructional appointments that are not tenure-track.
Submit application 3 months before the start date. This allows time for the scholar to obtain or renew a passport if needed and apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate.

How to Sponsor


Gather the documents
- 1.
- Cover Sheet
- 2.
- Acceptable evidence to prove English language proficiency
- 3.
- Appointment letter on department letterhead. Must include appointment start date, Columbia title of appointment, and salary.
- 4.
- CV
- 5.
- J-1 passport biographical data page
- 6.
- J-2 passport biographical data page(s) for accompanying family member(s)
- 7.
- Copy of any previous Form(s) DS-2019 from previous J-1 programs, if applicable
- 8.
- Funding documentation. If Columbia University will not be financially supporting your scholar, the scholar must document the ability to cover living expenses, as follows: J-1 Scholar - $2,800 per month (increase to $3,000 on 1/1/23); J-2 Spouse - $1,000 per month; Each J-2 child - $500 per month. (Refer to the Funding Documents Checklist for acceptable documents)
- 1. Appointment letter on department letterhead. Must include appointment start date, Columbia title of appointment, and salary.
- 2. CV
- 3. J-1 passport biographical data page
- 4. J-2 passport biographical data page(s) for accompanying family member(s)
- 5. Funding documentation: If Columbia University will not be financially supporting your scholar, the scholar must document the ability to cover living expenses. J-1 Scholar - $2,800 per month (*increase to $,3000 on 1/1/2023); J-2 Spouse - $1,000 per month; Each J-2 child - $500 per month. (Refer to the Funding Documents Checklist for acceptable documents)
- 6. Copy of any previous Form(s) DS-2019 from previous J-1 programs, if applicable

Submit your application
Log in to the Scholar Sponsorship Portal (SSP) with your UNI and password to submit all three parts of your application
This application consists of 3 parts. All 3 parts must be completed before we receive your application. Contact us if you are a department administrator requesting access to the SSP.
- Part 1
- Completed by the department (contact us if your UNI and password isn't working)
- Part 2
- Completed by the scholar (per the scholar’s email address entered in Part 1)
- Part 3
- Completed by the department (the department user will get an email when the scholar completes Part 2)
Need more help?
For a description of the process, visit our SSP Overview page. Visit our SSP Department Guide for technical assistance.
This application consists of three (3) parts. All 3 parts must be completed in order to submit your application.
If you do not already have access to Compass, please complete the Departmental Access Request Form here. Otherwise, proceed to the CUIMC Department Compass User Guide for detailed instructions.
- Part 1
- Three (3) forms are completed by the scholar: Exchange Visitor Information, Health Insurance Attestation, Dependent Spouse & Children
- Part 2
- Three (3) forms are completed by the department: Exchange Visitor Program Details, Site of Activity, English Language Proficiency Verification
- Part 3
- Two (2) forms for review and certification by the Faculty Sponsor and the Departmental Administrator/HR Director. These forms must be initiated by the department.

We will contact you
Allow up to 10 business days for us to review and process your application. We will notify you by email when the Form DS-2019 is ready.

Extending a J-1 Research or Teaching Appointment

- Appointment
- J-1 Research Scholar Appointment
- Maximum Extension Duration
- 5 consecutive years
- Appointment
- J-1 Short-Term Appointment
- Maximum Extension Duration
- 6 months

How to Extend


Gather the documents
- 1.
- Cover Sheet
- 2.
- Reappointment letter on letterhead stating dates, title, and salary
- 3.
- Funding documentation: If Columbia University will not be financially supporting your scholar, the scholar must document the ability to cover living expenses. J-1 Scholar - $2,800 per month (*increase to $3,000 on 1/1/23); J-2 Spouse - $1,000 per month; Each J-2 child - $500 per month. (Refer to the Funding Documents Checklist for acceptable documents)
- 1.
- Reappointment letter on letterhead stating dates, title, and salary
- 2.
- Funding documentation: If Columbia University will not be financially supporting your scholar, the scholar must document the ability to cover living expenses. J-1 Scholar - $2,800 per month (*increase to $3,000 on 1/1/23); J-2 Spouse - $1,000 per month; Each J-2 child - $500 per month. (Refer to the Funding Documents Checklist for acceptable documents)

Submit your extension application
Log in to the Scholar Sponsorship Portal (SSP) with your UNI and password to submit all three parts of your application.
This application consists of 3 parts. All 3 parts must be completed before we receive your application. Contact us if you are a department administrator requesting access to the SSP.
- Part 1
- Completed by the department (contact us if your UNI and password isn't working)
- Part 2
- Completed by the scholar (per the scholar’s email address entered in Part 1)
- Part 3
- Completed by the department (the department user will get an email when the scholar completes Part 2)
Need more help?
For a description of the process, visit our SSP Overview page. Visit our SSP Department Guide for technical assistance.
Log in to Compass (Hyperlink)
If you do not already have access to Compass, please complete the Departmental Access Request Form here. Otherwise, proceed to the CUIMC Department Compass User Guide for detailed instructions.

We will contact you
Allow up to 10 business days for us to review and process your application. We will notify you by email when the extended Form DS-2019 is ready.