Prospective Scholars
Are you interested in conducting research at the University of Florida?
If you want to join the more than 800 exchange visitors who participate in the J program at UF every year, the first step is to connect with a UF faculty member to host your visit.
- Connect with a UF faculty member to host your visit.
- UF host department prepares the application to request form DS-2019. You will use form DS-2019 to apply for your J visa.
- UF host department submits the application for form DS-2019 to EVS.
- EVS issues form DS-2019 with instructions for applying for the J visa.
- You apply for your J visa. Once you receive it, you can finalize your travel plans and prepare to join the Gator Nation!
EVS does not assist with matching prospective scholars with host departments. While we are excited to welcome you to the University of Florida, EVS can only assist with the visa process once your host department submits your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan ahead! The full process usually takes 3 months or more.
EVS does not assist with housing. Most scholars in Gainesville (UF main campus) live off campus because on-campus housing is limited to enrolled students with very few exceptions. Some host departments provide housing, but most scholars make their own arrangements.
Fees: EVS charges a processing fee of $100 per person. In addition, to apply for the J visa, you must pay the $220 I-901 SEVIS Fee and the $185 visa application fee. Citizens of some countries may be required to pay a reciprocity fee.
Living Expenses: You will be required to demonstrate at least $2,266 per month for living expenses. If you bring dependents, you must show an additional $1,000 per month for your spouse and $500 per month for each child. Your personal financial needs may be higher. We also encourage you to review health insurance costs.
Permitted: Research, observation, shadowing, teaching, and mentoring.
Not permitted: Hands-on clinical work, patient care, unskilled labor, tenure-track positions, and coordinator or administrative work.
Legally married spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may join you as J-2 dependents. Parents, siblings, and partners to whom you are not legally married do not qualify for the J-2 visa.