This update applies to foreign nationals with upcoming visiting appointments who will utilize a J-1 exchange visitor visa. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing travel restrictions, delays, and closures, it is very unlikely that any new J-1 exchange visitors coming from abroad will be able to arrive prior to August 1, 2020. Therefore, please note that going forward, new DS-2019s issued by ISSS will have an August 1 start date, at the earliest.
If you’ve submitted a DS-2019 request to ISSS recently and the DS-2019 has not yet been issued, please note that August 1 is the earliest date start date ISSS will provide.
This update is due to several factors. These factors include worldwide U.S. Embassy closures and travel restrictions involving many countries. Additionally, it is important that all departments at CU Boulder will be able to provide a valuable experience to the J-1 exchange visitor. Please keep this in mind when appointing J-1 exchange visitors and take into consideration how the current remote work situation will affect a new arrival to campus.
There are exceptions to this update. The update does not apply to new J-1s arriving on campus who meet either of the criteria below:
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J-1 exchange visitors who are Canadian citizens because they do not require a J-1 entry visa, issued by a U.S. Embassy or consulate, to enter the U.S. If they are travelling from a country unaffected by the travel restrictions prior to their start date at CU and have been in that country for the 14 days prior to their entry into the U.S., current embassy closures and travel restrictions do not affect them.
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J-1 exchange visitors already in the U.S. who are transferring their J-1 program to CU Boulder and who are not leaving the U..S prior to their intended start date at CU Boulder.
In both situations above, it is still important to ensure the department’s ability to provide a valuable experience to the exchange visitor.
It in unknown at this time when U.S. Embassies will resume visa applications or when current travel restrictions will be lifted. When openings resume and restrictions are lifted, however, J-1 exchange visitors will not necessarily be able to get a visa quickly—it will take time. For this reason, please note that even August 1 may be an unrealistic date for J-1 arrivals. ISSS will continue to update you with additional information about closures and restrictions as it becomes available.