Updated: 6/30/2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State announced some flexibilities permitting J-1 scholars to conduct their program activities remotely on a limited basis to protect the health and well-being of Exchange Visitors in the US. These flexibilities were scheduled to end on June 30, 2023.

Now that the US government has officially declared an end to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Department of State has announced updated guidance regarding remote program participation for J-1 scholars. Effective July 1, 2023, J-1 scholars are permitted to conduct their J-1 program activities “remotely no more than 40% of the time (e.g. two days out of five).” If a J-1 scholar will conduct any activities remotely, their host department is expected to monitor the exchange visitor’s program to ensure that they have the resources they need, adequate supervision, and that their program objectives and cultural requirements are being met.

Additionally, any location where a J-1 scholar will conduct their J-1 activities is considered a “site of activity” (including their home if working from home) and must be reported to the US Government in the scholar’s SEVIS record. To officially report their home address as a site of activity, a J-1 scholar can log into ISSS Link and complete the Telecommuting Schedule for Emory Scholars e-form.

As a reminder, J-1 scholars are limited to a maximum of two sites of activity at any given time. If there are any questions regarding this updated policy, please contact your ISSS advisor.