J-1 Scholar Minimum Funding Requirements

Updated January 16, 2025

The J-1 Exchange Program requires that program sponsors establish minimum funding requirements for hosting J-1 scholars and J-2 dependents. Before issuing DS-2019s, ISSS is required to collect funding documentation that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements.

On a regular basis, ISSS works with relevant campus partners to review and adjust the minimum funding requirements for J-1 scholars. When an adjustment occurs, ISSS notifies stakeholders and updates this page accordingly. After this update, all new J-1 scholar requests submitted in ISSS Link will need to meet the updated minimum funding amount to be processed by ISSS.

Note: 

• It is Emory’s responsibility to ensure that the J-1 program is being used to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges. Thus, J-1/J-2 visitors should have sufficient funding to do their educational and cultural exchange activities in the US.
• Although a J-1 scholar may be funded by a non-Emory entity, they cannot perform services for a non-Emory entity (including overseas entities) while in the US in J-1 status.
• If the J-1 scholar’s stay at Emory is less than a year, the minimum funding requirement will be prorated in monthly increments.

School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Public Health, and Emory National Primate Research Center

• Postdocs and Visiting Faculty: 
  • Minimum amount is set by NIH-NRSA guidelines (may include up to two J-2 dependents). 
  • If bringing more than two J-2 dependents, it is an additional $7,500 per year for each dependent.
• All Others: 
  • $30,000 per year
  • An additional $7,500 per year for each J-2 dependent.

All Other Schools

• Postdocs: 
  • $47,476 per year (may include up to two J-2 dependents.) 
  • If bringing more than two J-2 dependents, it is an additional $7,500 per year for each dependent.
• All Others: 
  • $30,000 per year
  • An additional $7,500 per year for each J-2 dependent.