EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM INFORMATION
- J-1 Scholar and Visiting Academic Participants
- J-1 Scholar Onboarding Requirements
- J-1 Internship Visiting Students
- J-1 Internships Onboarding Requirement
- Responsibilities to Continue Participation as a Host Department for J-1 Internships
- Requirements of the Internship Program
- Applying for Your J-1 Visa
- Payment of the Sevis Fee
- Preparing for Your Flight to the United States
- J-1 Arrival Information
- Get a Florida Driver's License
- Apply for a Social Security Card
- Change of Address Reporting Requirement
- Maintaining Your J-1 Visa Status
- US Department of State Evp Emergency Hotline
- International Insurance Options
J-1 Scholar and Visiting Academic Participants
Thank you for your interest in BridgeUSA Program. If you are a foreign national and are interested in participating in Florida Atlantic University’s Exchange Visitor Program, you need to contact the department that you wish to join to inquire if the department has any interest in hosting you, and how you may apply. Florida Atlantic University is authorized to bring qualified participants in the following categories:
- SHORT TERM SCHOLAR: Professors, researchers, or scholars whose purpose at FAU is to lecture, observe, consult and/or participate in seminars, workshops, conferences, study tours, professional meetings or similar educational and professional activities.
- PROFESSOR (University Teaching and/or Research): An individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing; may also conduct research. A two-year bar on repeat participation in the J professor or Research scholar categories will apply.
- RESEARCH SCHOLAR: An individual primarily conducting research, observing or consulting in connection with research projects; may also teach or lecture. A two-year bar on repeat participation in the J professor or Research scholar categories will apply.
- SPECIALIST: An individual who is expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skill, whose purpose will be to observe, consult or demonstrate special skills.
PURPOSE OF EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM
The Exchange Visitor Program promotes mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries via educational and cultural exchanges.
Only State Department-designated sponsors are authorized to issue the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status (Form DS-2019), which is the necessary document to support an application for an exchange visitor visa (J-1 Visa). Sponsors screen and select prospective exchange visitors based on the criteria set forth in the governing regulations (22 CFR Part 62).
UPON ACCEPTANCE OF A TIME LIMITED APPOINTMENT
To start the J-1 visa process, your FAU host department will submit your appointment information for review, approval and processing. Submissions of all required and requested documentation is important to avoid any delays.
Participants of the Exchange Visitor Program that have been offered a position with a host department at Florida Atlantic University will need to show they meet the following criteria:
1. Satisfy English language proficiency requirement [22 CFR 62.10(a)(2)].
2. All J-1 and J-2 status holders are required to have medical insurance coverage in effect during the entire period that they are in the sponsor program with the following minimum benefits [22 CFR 62.14]. Failure to maintain the required insurance coverage will lead to the termination of the Exchange Visitor Program.
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitors to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000.
- A deductible not to exceed $500. Per accident or illness.
- The insurance that you choose that meets the above requirements must at minimum be: (1) Underwritten by an insurance corporation with an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A-I” or above, a Standard and Poor’s Claims Paying Ability rating of “A-” or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above; or (2) Backed by the full faith and credit of the government of your home country.
3. Participant must provide proof to the host department that the participant and each qualified dependent person has sufficient funds to cover the period of their stay in the United States [22 CFR 62.12(b)(1)(i)]
- Possesses adequate financial resources to participate in and complete his or her exchange visitor program; and
- Possesses adequate financial resources to support an accompanying spouse and dependents, if any.
Acceptable proof of funds may include, and must be dated within the past 6 months:
- Florida Atlantic University department award letters (scholarships, grants, etc.)
- Personal Funds such as a bank statement in visitor’s name showing a balance of the account in U.S. dollars.
- Letter from private sponsor translated in English that shows the relationship between the visitor and the sponsor(s), the amount of the financial support in U.S. dollars, and the length of support. If funding is provided from a private sponsor, the sponsor’s bank or other financial statements show a balance of the account.
- Letter from an employer or another institution on official business letterhead showing amount and length of support in U.S. dollars amounts.
- Loan certificates or letters that provide the visitor’s name and the amount of the approved loan in U.S. dollars.
For your convenience, below are links where you can find information on insurance:
https://www.internationalinsurance.com/students/j-1-visa.php
You are not required to purchase insurance from any vendors listed above.
You are responsible for making sure that the coverage you select and the company meets the insurance regulations and provides coverage for the entire duration of your visit.
J-1 Scholar Onboarding Requirements
This information is provided for administrators at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Please read below.
Global Academic Services (GAS) must comply with federal regulations regarding the employment of foreign nationals (non-United States citizens and non-permanent residents). It is important to ensure that each foreign national employed or on academic appointment at FAU, either paid or unpaid, has an immigration status that permits the affiliation or has been granted appropriate permission by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Each FAU Department/Laboratory/Center has a primary liaison, typically the Business Manager or Administrative Officer, through whom all requests to appoint/invite a foreign national must be channeled.
This department contact is familiar with the FAU personnel appointment system, GAS procedures and non-immigrant visa types and can be very helpful to faculty. This person will act as the liaison between GAS and the faculty member inviting a foreign national to teach or conduct research at the University.
Role of Global Academic Services
GAS has been designated by the University to handle applications and information regarding visas for foreign national staff. Global Services is FAU’s liaison with immigration authorities regarding this population. GAS is authorized by the Department of State to offer J-1 visa sponsorship in certain specific categories.
Department Onboarding Checklist:
Prior to starting the DS2019 request packet, the department is responsible for contacting
Eric M. Centner, J.D., Assistant Director, Compliance ecentner@fau.edu with the scholar information. Eric oversees the procedures related to the new Florida Foreign Influence Law Once the international screening has been completed, please retain a copy of the confirmation e-mail and include it with the DS2019 request packet.
- Confirm that the candidate meets all department and program eligibility requirements.
- Collect a current resume or curriculum vitae from the prospective visiting scholar.
- Provide an appointment letter to the prospective visiting scholar using J-1 scholar acceptable templets or Post Doc acceptable templet.
- Complete and submit the J-1 SCHOLAR DEPARTMENT REQUEST FORM FOR DS-2019
- Complete and submit ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY FORM.
- Submit the signed Certification Regarding Release of Controlled Technology or Technical Data to Foreign Persons in the United States(You need to submit the FAU Applicant Questionnaire Form, and then you will receive the signed Certification Regarding Release of Controlled Technology or Technical Data to Foreign Persons in the United States). Global Acdemic Services will need to see the executed Memo only, no need to submit the application to our office.
- Complete and submit the J-1 INTERVIEW REPORT FORM.
- Complete and submit the VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM AND THE VOLUNTEER WAIVER RELEASE FORM (Regulation 6.1) is applicable.
- Submit the completed NOTIFICATION OF INSURANCE REQUIREMENT FORM.
- Contact Human Resources Department to request a background check as per your department's requirements. Send an email to empl@fau.edu.
- Complete and submit DEPARTMENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND SIGNATURES FORM.
- Collect proof of sufficient financial funding for prospective interns and dependents (bank statements written in English with US dollar amount).
- Collect PERSONNEL DATA SHEET FOR J-1 EXCHANGE VISITOR FORM from for non-paid appointments.
- Color copy of Passport Identification page and currents DS2019 or J-1 visa if the scholar is currently in the U.S.
J-1 Internship Visiting Students
Internship programs are designed to allow foreign college and university students to come to the United States to gain exposure to U.S. culture and to receive hands-on experience in U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field. The objective of the Exchange Visitor Visa is to increase mutual understanding between people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges.
Eligibility:
- Student interns are currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States.
- Not have participated in a student internship program for more than 12 months for each degree/major.
- Primarily in the U.S. to engage in the student internship program.
- Return as an enrolled student in the home institution after FAU’s program to “fulfill and obtain a degree.”
- Fulfilling educational objectives for current degree program outside the U.S.
- Be prepared to leave the U.S. within 30 days after completion of the program. The USCIS grants this period to allow for preparing for the return to the home country. Participants may neither continue nor complete the program, nor work during this 30-day period
- Satisfy English language proficiency requirement [22 CFR 62.10(a)(2)].
- All J-1 and J-2 status holders are required to have medical insurance coverage in effect during the entire period that they are in the sponsor program with the following minimum benefits [22 CFR 62.14]. Failure to maintain the required insurance coverage will lead to termination of the Exchange Visitor Program.
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000.
- A deductible not to exceed $500. Per accident or illness.
- The insurance that you choose that meets the above requirements must at minimum be: (1) Underwritten by an insurance corporation with an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A-I” or above, a Standard and Poor’s Claims Paying Ability rating of “A-” or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above; or (2) Backed by the full faith and credit of the government of your home country.
- Participant must provide proof to the host department that the participant and each qualified dependent person has sufficient funds to cover the period of their stay in the United States [22 CFR 62.12(b)(1)(i)] .
- Possesses adequate financial resources to participate in and complete his or her exchange visitor program; and
- Possesses adequate financial resources to support an accompanying spouse and dependents, if any.
Acceptable proof of funds may include, and must be dated within the past 6 months:
- Florida Atlantic University department award letters (scholarships, grants, etc.)
- Personal Funds such as a bank statement in visitor’s name showing balance of account in U.S. dollars.
- Letter from private sponsor translated in English that shows the relationship between the visitor and the sponsor(s), the amount of the financial support in U.S. dollars, and the length of support. If funding is provided from a private sponsor, the sponsor’s bank of other financial statements showing balance of account.
- Letter from an employer or another institution on official business letterhead showing amount and length of support in U.S. dollars amounts.
- Loan certificates or letter that provide visitor’s name and the amount of the approved loan in U.S. dollars.
For your convenience, below are links where you can find information on insurance:
www.insuranceforstudents.com
https://www.insubuy.com/
http://www.betins.com/
https://www.psiservice.com/
https://www.internationalinsurance.com/students/j-1-visa.php
You are not required to purchase insurance from any vendors listed above.
You are responsible for making sure that the coverage you select and the company meets the insurance regulations and provides coverage for the entire duration for your visit.
J-1 Internships Onboarding Requirement
HOST DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR INTERN DS-2019:
Prior to starting the DS2019 request packet, the department is responsible for contacting Donovan Diaz, Chief Compliance & Ethics Officer at donovandiaz@fau.edu with the scholar information. Donovan oversees the procedures related to the new Florida Foreign Influence Law Once the international screening has been completed, please retain a copy of the confirmation e-mail and include it with the DS2019 request packet.
- Confirm that the candidate meets all program and department eligibility requirements.
- Collect a current resume or curriculum vitae from perspective intern.
- Provide an appointment letter to perspective intern.
- Complete J-1 INTERN DEPARTMENT REQUEST FORM FOR DS-2019
- Complete TRAINING/INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT PLAN FORM DS-7002
- Complete ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY FORM.
- Complete J-1 INTERVIEW REPORT FORM.
- Submit the completed NOTIFICATION OF INSURANCE REQUIREMENT FORM.
- Collect proof of financial funding sufficient enough for perspective intern and dependents (bank statements written in English with US dollar amount).
- Collect ACADEMIC STATUS CERTIFICATION FORM from perspective intern.
- Collect PERSONNEL DATA SHEET FOR J-1 EXCHANGE VISITOR FORM from perspective intern.
- Copy of Passport Identification page.
- Contact Human Resources Department to request a background check as per your department requirements. Send an email to empl@fau.edu .
- Proof of insurance will be required on day 1 of the program or before arrival.
Responsibilities to Continue Participation as a Host Department for J-1 Internships
- The internship program must submit information detailing the cross-cultural activity component of their exchange program. The information submitted by the Internship Program must include the following:
(i) The date(s) of each activity;
(ii) The location of each activity;
(iii) The audience for and participants in each activity;
(iv) A general overview of each activity, including the topic; and
(v) The estimated impact of each activity.
2. Contact the Global Academic Services of any potential changes, early completion, extension requests, change in circumstances, change in objectives, etc.
3. Complete student intern evaluations as outlined below:
All required evaluations must be completed prior to the conclusion of a training and Internship program, and both interns and their immediate supervisors must sign the evaluation forms. Sponsors must retain to the evaluations (electronic or hard copy) for a period of at least three years following the completion of each training and internship program.
A. If the internship program is longer than 6 months, the Host Department is responsible for submitting signed copies of the following to the Global Academic Services at globalservices@fau.edu :
- Midterm evaluation
- Final evaluation prior to the conclusion of the program
B. If the internship program is less than 6 months, the Host Department is responsible for submitting signed copies of the following to the Office of Immigration Services & Compliance:
- Final evaluation prior to the conclusion of the program
Requirements of the Internship Program
- Internship experience must be a minimum of 32 hours/week; no more than 20% clerical work.
- Internship experience should provide work‐based learning and may not place a student intern in an unskilled or casual labor position.
- Internship experience should expose the student intern to American techniques, methodologies, and technology, expand upon the intern's existing knowledge and skills, and not duplicate the intern's prior experience.
- Internship program may not place a student intern in a position that requires or involves child care or elder care, a position in the field of aviation, or, in clinical positions or engaging in any other kind of work that involves patient care or contact, including any work that would require student interns to provide therapy, medication, or other clinical or medical care (e.g., sports or physical therapy, psychological counseling, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, social work, speech therapy, or early childhood education).
- Internship program should exist solely to assist the intern in achieving the objectives of internship program.
- Internship program may not displace American workers (including full or part‐time, temporary or permanent).
- Internship program must complete a program evaluation.
- Internship program must not place a student intern in a position, occupation, or business that could bring the Exchange Visitor Program or the Department into notoriety or disrepute.
- Internship program may not engage or otherwise cooperate or contract with a staffing/employment agency to recruit, screen, orient, place, evaluate, or train student interns, or in any other way involve such agencies in an Exchange Visitor Program student internship program.
- The Internship Program must assign an on-site supervisor.
Applying for Your J-1 Visa
BEFORE YOU COME TO FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
- Receive and review the DS-2019 form sent to you by Florida Atlantic University
- Review any additional paperwork sent to you by Florida Atlantic University or your host department.
- Make visa appointment with the US Embassy/Consulate. Visit www.usembassy.gov
- Submit SEVIS fee payment in time to allow DHS to process payment at least 3 days prior to appointment.
- Print SEVIS fee payment receipt from internet OR wait to receive form I-797 receipt from DHS by mail. Receipt must be submitted with visa application.
- Receive J-1 visa stamp in passport from US Embassy/Consulate.
- Enter US up to 30 days PRIOR to the start date indicated on the DS-2019 and no later than 30 days AFTER the start date indicated on the DS-2019
- Report to your department upon arrival and complete your immigration check-in and program validation.
- Purchase the required medical insurance for you and your J-2 dependents with the required limits for the entire start and end date of your program.
Payment of the Sevis Fee
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires the collection of a SEVIS fee from certain J-1 exchange scholars and students. This fee is collected to fund the operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which oversees SEVIS. This fee is not a Florida Atlantic University fee and provides no funds or services to FAU. You can read more detailed information about this required fee at the website: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq.htm.
A J-1 scholar who is subject to payment of the SEVIS fee must remit payment directly to DHS by completing Form I-901 electronically using the internet or by mail. For faster service, we recommend that you pay your fee online if feasible. The SEVIS fee should be processed by DHS at least three (3) business days prior to the consular interview. Fees cannot be paid at the consulate.
For On-Line Submission: at the end of Form I-901, you will be able to print out an electronic receipt immediately at the time of payment. Be sure to print the receipt; you will not get another chance. (You will also receive a paper receipt in the mail.)
For Mail Submission: DHS will issue and mail an official paper receipt (I-797) acknowledging payment. Express delivery service for the receipt may be requested at an additional cost.
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Preparing for Your Flight to the United States
You may consider arriving at the United States prior to your program start date. J-1 participants may arrive in the United States up to 30 days before the program start date. You may use this time to secure housing, apply for a social security number, etc.
When bringing family members to the U.S., there are additional considerations you should be making prior to arrival and soon after family members arrive. It is recommended that you arrive before the family so you can ensure you have finalized many of the necessary details for living in the U.S.
You will go through immigration inspection, where your electronic I-94 entry record will be created. Be sure to have your passport and immigration document (DS-2019) with you and not in a checked bag. Your passport and travel documents need to be readily accessible for immigration officials.
Please review updated flight regulations set by the Travel Security Administration ( TSA) in the United States or any equivalent in your home country.
Make sure you carry all-important phone numbers and carry important contact information separate from your travel documents such as your DS-2019, passport, etc.
Make sure that you know your flight itinerary and have transportation arranged to and from the airport. It is important that you have all your travel arrangements confirmed before your departure.
You may want to bring the following additional information or items with you:
- Your driver’s license or international driver’s license.
- Copy of driving record if you plan on purchasing an automobile in the United States.
- Supply of all prescriptions medications with a description of each provided by your medical doctor. Check to see if there are any traveling restrictions for the medication you are bringing.
- An address book containing information of contacts in the United States and in your home country.
J-1 Arrival Information
ARRIVING AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
As soon as you arrive to Florida Atlantic University, you must complete your Immigration Check-in. If you do not check-in as required, your visa status will be negatively impacted.
During your immigration check-in, you will use our automated form to submit your most up to date personal information, and you will be asked to read and sign the Responsibility Form.
Please be prepared to present the following documents:
- Proof of Medical Insurance; Medical Evacuation; Repatriation of Remains Coverage with required minimum limits and for the entire duration of your program sponsorship dates.
- Signed DS-2019 form
- Valid Passport with J-1 visa stamp
- I-94 form ( https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home )
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Local U.S. residential address (cannot be a Post Office Box or department address)
Get a Florida Driver's License
If you plan to drive in the State of Florida, you are required to apply for a Florida driver’s license. If you don’t plan to drive, you should apply for a State of Florida Identification Card. Information concerning either of these cards can be found at Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles . Also, see information about Driving in Florida and Buying A Car .
Apply for a Social Security Card
J-1 scholar who will be paid in the U.S., and J-2 dependents with USCIS-approved work permits need to apply for a Social Security card. The Office of Immigration Services & Compliance will need to validate your visa by providing a U.S. residential address in the SEVIS database. J-1 holders must have their J-1 visa validated before they can apply for an SSN.
It is advised that participants apply for an SSN no less than 10 days after entry to the United States, and after their visa has been validated by the Global Academic Services. This is to make sure that all databases have adequate time to link and communicate the applicant’s information. You will need to take the following documents to the nearest Social Security Office:
- Form SS-5: The SSN application form (http://www.ssa.gov/)
- Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility)
- Letter of Sponsorship
- I-94 Record printout
- Passport with J-1 visa
- Form DS-7002 (Official Training Plan)
- Offer letter from host company (if available)
Change of Address Reporting Requirement
All persons living in the United States who are not U.S. citizens must report to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) any change of address within 10 days of the address change. The "address" is where the individual physically resides. (Be aware that the address cannot be a PO Box.) Federal law imposes severe penalties for failure to notify USCIS of a change of address.
Florida Atlantic University exchange visitors on J visas, including dependents on J-2 status, must comply with the address-change reporting requirement by notifying globalservices@fau.edu of the address change. We will update SEVIS upon receiving the new address information from the exchange visitor.
Maintaining Your J-1 Visa Status
Now that you have arrived in the United States and are working with your host department on your academic objective, please be aware that you are responsible for maintaining your J-1 visa status valid.
- Academic objective - The Department of State requires that your academic objective for which your DS-2019 was granted, be upheld throughout your visit on J-1 status. If you plan on changing your objective in any way, you must notify globalservices@fau.edu before making any changes to ensure that the change is legally allowed with your current J-1 visa status.
- Change of address - If you move, you must provide your new local address to ISSS within 10 days of moving.
- Medical Insurance; Medical Evacuation; Repatriation of Remains Coverage – At all times, you and your J-2 dependents must have valid insurance coverage with the required limits. If you do not maintain valid insurance coverage, you may be terminated from your program.
- Early completion – If you are going to complete your J-1 program more than 30 days prior to the end date of your DS-2019, you must notify globalservices@fau.edu as well as your host department. We are required to update this information in SEVIS so that you are not accountable for the time in which you are not participating in the program.
- Work authorization – Any off-campus employment or payment must first be approved by ISSS.
- Valid DS-2019 – Maintain a valid DS-2013 at all times. Be aware of your DS-2019 expiration date. This expiration date is not the same as the US Entry Visa expiration date. If you require an extension, please contact ISSS at least 90 days in advance.
- I-94 – Make sure that the J-I 94 is always marked “J-1” and “D/S”.
US Department of State Evp Emergency Hotline
The U.S. Department of State has created a 24/7 emergency hotline to help safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the exchange visitors. The number to the U.S. Department of State is 1-866-283-9090 – a 24/7 toll-free telephone number that allows exchange visitors to directly contact the U.S. Department of State in emergency and urgent situations.
Please note that this hotline number is NOT the university’s phone number. If you want to reach someone at FAU, please call your host faculty or 56-297-2743, 561-297-3049.
Considerations:
Two-Year Home Country Residency Requirement [INA 212(e)]:
You will become subject if your J-1 program is funded by either your government or the US government, involves specialized knowledge or skills deemed necessary by your home country, or if you come to the US for graduate medical training. If this requirement applies to you, you must return to your home country for a cumulative total of two years at the end of your J-1 program. You are not prohibited from traveling to the US but you may not benefit from certain employment-based or family-based visas until the requirement is satisfied. This requirement currently applies to all dependents in J-2 status under the J-1.
24 Month Bar:
If you are coming to Florida Atlantic University as a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor, you and your J-2 dependents will become subject to the 24-month bar if: (1) you complete a full five years of J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program participation with one or more J-1 program sponsors; or (2) you completed a particular J1 Research Scholar or Professor program of ANY LENGTH, and your SEVIS record becomes inactive BEFORE the full five-year period is over. You must then wait at least 24 months before you may begin a new J-1 program in the Research Scholar or Professor category.
12 Month Bar:
If you are coming to Florida Atlantic University as a Degree Student/Non-Degree Student, you and your J-2 dependents may become subject to the 12 month bar. If applicable, you must wait 12 months before applying for another visa in any J category*.
*For those considering switching from a student category to a scholar category