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Please review: Step-by-step procedure to invite international visiting scholars to Â̾ÞÈËÊÓƵ(PDF)

Requirements and Forms

• Template for Invitation Letter from Hosting Department to Prospective Scholar (DOCX)
• Host Form for inviting scholar, signed by Department Chair and the Dean (PDF)
• DS-2019 Request Form, Filled out by a Prospective Scholar (PDF)
• English Language Proficiency Form (PDF)*

English Requirement

Effective January 5, 2015, the U.S. Department of State issued a new rule concerning the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Sponsors must now determine that prospective exchange visitors possess "sufficient proficiency in the English language, as determined by an objective measurement of English language proficiency, to successfully participate in his or her program and to function on a day-to-day basis." [22 CFR 62.10(a)(2)]

The new rule requires a sponsor to use an objective measure of language proficiency:

• A recognized English language test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS)
• A documented interview conducted by the sponsor either in-person or by video conferencing, or by telephone if video conferencing is not a viable option.

Sponsors are required to retain evidence of how they measured the applicant's English language proficiency so that it may be made available to the U.S. Department of State upon request. ISS will document a prospective scholar’s English proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Form (PDF).

Timeline & Process

Please allow at least two months prior to the start of the Visiting Scholar’s time at Â̾ÞÈËÊÓƵto ensure completion of the application process. The faculty member inviting a scholar must submit the above-listed items to the ISS (via email) for a visiting scholar’s nomination ahead of the time. Please refer to the checklist for timelines (PDF), processing fees, and expediting fees.

Once ISS receives the required paperwork from a host faculty, we will contact the prospective scholar and outline other required paperwork. Prospective scholars must provide proof of funding, such as an official financial sponsorship letter from the government or current bank statement in USD, if self-sponsored.

ISS handles the administration of visa applications and processing of a DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility for the J-1 scholar visa), which will be mailed to a prospective scholar’s mailing address in his/her home country. The hosting department will be responsible for postage.

Responsibilities

Host Department Responsibilities

• providing access to Â̾ÞÈËÊÓƵfacilities, such as the library, labs (if appropriate)
• obtaining Â̾ÞÈËÊÓƵemail account
• providing Â̾ÞÈËÊÓƵ ID
• providing office space

Visiting Scholar Responsibilities

• housing
• medical insurance fees
• travel expenses
• personal expenses

Note: The University normally does not provide financial assistance for Visiting Scholars’ travel or living expenses. For visa purposes, visiting scholars must be able to show they can meet the minimum living expenses for themselves and their dependents.

ISS Responsibilities

• administration of visa application and processing a DS-2019 form
• providing pre-arrival information
• providing mandatory orientation which outlines the basics of J-1 visiting scholar visa
• providing guidance on obtaining a Social Security Number
• providing guidance on information regarding mandatory health insurance requirements
• travel endorsements
• consultation on immigration issues and taxation in the U.S.
• providing cross-cultural activities on campus

Please review: FAQ for faculty interested in hosting scholars at Â̾ÞÈËÊÓƵ(PDF)