The new Duration of Status rule (effective 09/15/2026) may affect the information on this page. ISSS is reviewing the rule and will revise this page and related materials as we finalize new processes. Please review the DHS Final Rule webpage for the latest updates and guidance

J-1 Exchange Visitors are restricted to employment in the specific field listed in item #4 of their Form DS-2019 and to the sponsoring institution whose U.S. address is listed in item #1 on the DS-2019.

Notify ISSS at least two months in advance of any proposed changes to your appointment with UNC-CH, including (but not limited to): 

  • Funding sources/Funding Amount
  • Hosting Unit
  • FM/PI/Lab
  • Title/Affiliation with the University
  • Research/Teaching activities
  • Job duties
  • Sites of activity

J-1 Exchange Visitors should work with their Hosting Unit to ensure that a J-1 Exchange Visitor Update Request is submitted to ISSS at least 2 months prior to any proposed changes to their J-1 EV Program.

Occasional lectures or consultations

J-1 Professors or Research Scholars may be eligible for authorization to receive payment or reimbursement for participation in occasional lectures or short-term consultations if certain conditions are met:

  • The research or teaching is directly related to the J-1 program activities and field of research in item #4 of the scholar’s Form DS-2019
  • The activity is incidental to the J-1 program (single events that are occasional in nature, not an ongoing activity) and will not change the primary focus of the visit
  • The activity does not interfere with or delay the completion date of the J-1 scholar’s program.
  • The activity is approved in writing by the Faculty Mentor

 J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to obtain written authorization in advance from ISSS before engaging in any occasional lectures or consultations. J-1 scholars should submit a Questions for ISSS e-form in the ISSS Portal at least one month prior to the date of the proposed activity to obtain a list of request materials.

Please note that occasional lectures or consultations cannot be counted toward the minimum financial support required on the Form DS-2019.