Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can participate in an ORISE program with a valid EAD card.

Immigration statuses may be allowed to hybrid/telework by the host facility/agency policies or in special situations on a case-by-case bases approved by the program.

J-1 immigration status holders who are sponsored by ORISE may participate remotely no more than 40% of the time (e.g., two days out of five) when their host agency/facility has instituted partial remote policies and their sponsor has approved their hybrid program participation. More than 40% hybrid participation is possible only in the case of national disaster, national emergency, pandemic. Hybrid/telework participation from a foreign country is not allowed!

Research Scholar and Short-Term Scholar.

Up to a maximum of five years. However, some programs have a maximum period of participation, so five years is not automatic under ORISE.

For of a period of six months or less, and cannot be extended beyond the maximum six months or transferred. Once the program is completed, the foreign national must depart the United States. You will receive the 30-day grace period.

At this time, yes. ORAU also provides medical evacuation and repatriation through AIG free of charge to J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents.

Yes, as long as the volunteer work is incidental to the program and is with a recognized organization – such as Red Cross, United Way, United Nations, USATF, or soup kitchen or homeless shelter – which openly to the public, calls for volunteer help. Prior to applying to volunteer, the activity must be approved by Immigration Services.

No, not until the J-2 dependents have entered the U.S. and have been granted J-2 status. Family insurance coverage must be effective the date J-2 dependents arrive the U.S.

Per the Social Security Administration, you should wait 10 days after arrival into the U.S. before applying. Your J-1 status must also be validated in SEVIS before applying.

Yes, as long as it is incidental to the program. The facility mentor must approve by providing a letter to ORISE staff. This letter will be forwarded to ORISE Immigration Services, which will approve via written documentation to all parties.

ORAU provides this benefit through AIG to all J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents at no cost to them.

Status can only be extended if the program approves and ORISE Immigration Services receives info from the program such as funding, selection, etc.

Travel is granted only with approval from the mentor, program, or ORISE Immigration Services. However, there may be times when this is not advisable.

When you complete the DS-160, you will be responsible for paying any fees associated with obtaining the visa.

CPT and OPT (pre- and/or post-completion OPT all together not more than 12 months only)

No, the university/college sponsors the F-1 status. ORISE Immigration Services confirms the status is valid for participation, and monitors the status during participation.

Per the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines, CPT can participate up to 20 hours per week if authorized for part-time, or up to 40 hours per week if authorized for full-time. However, authorization can be for up to 40 hours per week during holidays and breaks. It is at the discretion of the university as the F-1 sponsor.

There are two methods for changing status. The first method is the participant goes back to his or her home country to apply for a J-1 visa. This generally takes six to eight weeks. The second method is for the participant to file a change of status application with the USCIS. This process can take up to 12 months. Under either method, ORISE Immigration Services will generate the relevant paperwork for the participant to apply for a J-1 visa/J-1 status.

Immigration statuses, except J-1 which is sponsored by ORISE, may be allowed to telework by the host facility/agency policies or in special situations on a case/by/case bases approved by the program. A J-1 immigration status holder cannot telework, except in case of national disaster, national emergency, pandemic. Telework from a foreign country is not allowed!

Yes, you can participate in an ORISE program with valid EAD card.