J-1 scholars in the research scholar, professor, and specialist categories may be eligible to transfer their J-1 sponsorship from one Exchange Visitor Program to another Exchange Visitor Program, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements.
The J-1 transfer process requires careful coordination between several different parties, including the current sponsor, the new sponsor, and the individual scholar. At Tufts, the International Center manages all requests for scholars who are seeking to transfer to or from Tufts and another J-1 sponsor.
In general, J-1 transfers for scholars may be possible if:
If a J-1 transfer is approved, there is no need for the scholar to leave the US and re-enter using a new visa. Once the transfer takes place, the new sponsor will issue a new Form DS-2019 updated to reflect details about the scholar's' activity at the new institution. The new sponsor will also be responsible for ensuring that the scholar is advised on J-1 requirements.
If you are a J-1 scholar and plan to transfer to Tufts, your Tufts department will first need to submit a Visa Document Request to the International Center, requesting J-1 status for you. In addition, you will need to submit a J-1 Scholar Transfer form and send that to the International Center once we receive a J-1 Visa Document Request from your department.
If you are currently a J-1 scholar at Tufts and want to transfer your J-1 sponsorship to another institution, you must contact the International Center before you transfer to your new institution. Contact your International Center scholar advisor with information including the intended last date of your program at Tufts, evidence of your acceptance to a new J-1 scholar program at your new institution (such as an appointment or invitation letter), and the J-1 program code of your new institution. You may also need to provide the contact information of a J-1 scholar advisor at your new institution so that we may coordinate the details of your J-1 transfer.