Program Details

The general purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program is to promote international educational and cultural exchange to develop mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. At Purdue University, there are three types of J-1 exchange visitors: students, scholars, and professors. An exchange visitor must not be a candidate for a tenure-track position.

The purpose of the BDMCE J-1 Entrepreneurial Visa program is to provide international graduate students at Purdue, who are completing or have completed their degree program, with the opportunity to gain additional knowledge, skills, and connections to test the potential commercialization impact of Purdue intellectual property (IP).

Who is eligible?

• International graduate students at Purdue, who are completing or have completed their degree program, and are reseraching Purude IP
• Recent international Purdue alumni who have graduated from Purdue within the last five (5) years

Program Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the listed requirements to be considered for the program:

• Must have completed a Purdue graduate degree program
• Must live/work in West Lafayette or reasonable commute
• Must be able to show financial ability to support themselves throughout initial program period (as scholars cannot receive a salary from startup)
  • $1300/mo for the J-1 scholar
  • $625/mo for the first and
  • $350 for each additional per J-2 dependent (spouse, child)
• Must participate in BDMCE and partner organization programming or networking activities
• Must attend formal check-in meetings every 6 months

Interested in our program?

Interested candidates should contact us at j1visa@purdue.edu.

STEP 1: Contact us.

A 30-min introduction meeting will be scheudle with our J-1 Liaison and Managing Director

STEP 2: Complete our J-1 internal application

STEP 3: After review and notification of acceptance into the program the FORMAL ISS processes will begin

 

BDMCE FAQs

How do I connect?

BDMCE has partnered with several sister programs across Purdue. You can connect by attending different networking functions. We strongly encourage scholars to take advantage of the multitude of networking events in our ecosystem during their time in our program. Visit the “How to Connect” menu located on the right side of this page.

How do I participate?

Participating in events or activities that bring value to both BDMCE and the scholar. This can be done through speaking at an event on campus, providing mentorship to students with entrepreneurial ideas, or by attending one of the many programs that are given in our ecosystem. You can see what programs or activities are schedule on the right side of this page called “On the Schedule”.

Why do I have to check in?

All scholars must do a formal check in with the Managing Director and J-1 Liaison once a semester (every 6 months) to discuss their progress. This is when current milestones are reviewed, where new milestones will be added, and allows us to assist if there are issues.

Entering the U.S. (DS-2019 and J-1 Visa)

As a J-1 exchange visitor, you will need a Purdue University issued DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitors and a valid J-1 visa (the visa stamp in a passport) issued by the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad to enter the U.S. Canadian citizens need a DS-2019 but do not need a U.S. visa. You should also carry proof of SEVIS I-901 Fee payment. Please be advised that you may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the begin date on your DS-2019 (item #3) and not later than 15 days after the begin date. When you enter the U.S., you will receive an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record card marked “J-1” and “D/S” (duration of status).

Mandatory Immigration Check-In with Purdue University

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires you to complete an immigration check-in within 5 business days of your arrival. Failure to complete the mandatory immigration check-in will cause your J-1 program to be terminated automatically and end your immigration status.

Maintaining Legal J-1 Status

As a J-1 exchange visitor, you must meet certain obligations to maintain legal immigration status. Maintaining status is necessary to receive the benefits of J-1 status in the future, such as applying for a change of status, if needed. Failure to maintain your non-immigrant status can result in serious problems with immigration and could lead to deportation from the U.S.

Health Insurance Requirement

All exchange visitors and their accompanying dependents at Purdue University are required to have health insurance coverage that meets the University's standards. You must enroll in an approved insurance program at the mandatory immigration check-in program.

Taxes

All J-1 exchange visitors must file federal tax forms every year that they are in the U.S. The deadlines to file the forms are April 15, if U.S. money is earned, and June 15, if no U.S. money is earned.

Grace Period

When a J-1 exchange visitor completed his or her program, a 30-day grace period begins. During these 30 days he/she may remain in the U.S. and prepare to leave. It is not permissible to work during the grace period. Nor may one exit the U.S. and reenter as a J-1 during the grace period.

Continuation within the Program

While the J-1 program allows up to five (5) years total in the United States, participants in the BDMCE program will be supported for the following:

• An initial support for a two (2) year period that may be extended contingent upon compliance with the commitments above
• Annual extension of one (1) extension year

 

*Disclaimer - The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.  Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.