91¶ÌÊÓƵ

J1 Exchange Visiting Scholar

91¶ÌÊÓƵ is a designated sponsor of the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program. We offer study, teaching, and research opportunities for qualified international students, professors, and scholars. The program promotes global collaboration, academic exchange, and mutual understanding through cultural and educational engagement.

Understanding the Exchange Visitor Program

• Purpose

  The Exchange Visitor Program was implemented under the provisions of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended. The purpose of the Act is to “increase mutual understanding between the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges."

  • International educational and cultural exchanges are one of the most effective means of developing lasting and meaningful relationships. They provide an extremely valuable opportunity to experience the United States and our way of life.
  • Foreign nationals come to the United States to participate in a wide variety of educational and cultural exchange programs.

• Eligibility

  Section 101(a) (15) (J) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes the statutory authority for the J-1 exchange visitor category. Regulations published by the Department of State in Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) further implement this category. These laws set froth the specific requirements that must be met by applicants who wish to acquire J-1 nonimmigrant status to participate in an exchange program. An applicant must meet these requirements before a consular officer issues a J-1 visa, or before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) admits the individual to the United States in J-1 status. Requirements include:

  • Exchange Visitor (EV) plans to remain in the U.S. for a temporary, specific, limited period;
  • The EV possesses sufficient proficiency in the English language to participate in their program and to function on a day-to-day basis; the university must provide evidence of evaluating the English proficiency
  • The EV otherwise qualifies for the exchange visitor category in which they wish to participate;
  • The exchange visitor program has accepted them to participate in a program, and that they plan to carry out a specific activity, such as study or research that qualifies them for a specific J-1 category.
  • That there is evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States; and
  • The EV can prove to a U.S. consulate when applying for a J-1 visa that they have “a residence abroad which he/she has no intention of abandoning,” usually shown by evidence of social and economic ties abroad, and other binding tie which will ensure their return abroad at the end of the exchange program.
  • The exchange visitor program (91¶ÌÊÓƵ) creates a SEVIS record for them and issues them a Form DS-2019.
  • The EV must have health insurance that meet the Department of State requirements
  • The university must provide pre-arrival information, EV is required to participate in orientation, and an annual report must be submitted each year.

Application Process & Information

• Pre-Arrival

  Begin at least 3 months prior to expected arrival.

  1. Department Communicates with Scholar.
  2. Department submits the following documents to the ISSC.
     • Department Initiation Form
     • Invitation letter
  3. Scholar submits the following documents to the department.
     • Financial documents showing at least $3,000 per month; $1,000 per month for a spouse and $700 per month for each child.
     • J-1 Visiting Scholar DS-2019 Application
     • Copy of ID passport page
     • Curricula Vitae
     • Proof of English Proficiency by the Scholar or English Proficiency by the Department
     • Proof of Health Insurance coverage (can enroll through university provided insurance for international students. Contact ISSC (marymachira@weber.edu).

  4. Hosting department submits documents to the ISSC (marymachira@weber.edu).
  5. Scholar schedules an appointment at a U.S. Consulate/Embassy for a J-1 visa interview.

• Post-Arrival

  1. Report to the ISSC for check-in within 5 days of arrival.
     • J-1 Exchange Visitor Check-In Form
  2. Scholar provides the following documents upon arrival.
     • Signed DS-2019
     • Copy of Visa
     • Proof of health insurance coverage

• Host Department Forms

  • Visiting Scholar Program Initiation (PDF)
  • Certification of English Language Proficiency (PDF)

• Scholar Forms

  • DS 2019 Application (PDF)
  • Financial Guarantee (PDF)
     

  Additional Forms

  • Transfer In Request (PDF)
  • Transfer Out Request (PDF)
  • J-1 Extension Request (PDF)
  • Notice of Departure (PDF)

• Housing

  

  International Scholar House

  Located at 1380 East 4225 South, Ogden, Utah

  Furnished house with shared common areas and private bedrooms for rent:

  • Five standard bedrooms with two shared bathrooms.
  • One deluxe bedroom with private bathroom and private patio.
  • All bedrooms have individual locks for security. Bed linens and towels are provided (guest is responsible for washing).
  • Cooking equipment, plates and utensils are provided.
  • Secure Wi-Fi internet service included.

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  Beautiful private yard with two patios and fruit trees.

  

  

  

  • Upper Level

    

    

    

    

    • Furnished
    • Shared Bathroom with Bath/Shower
    • Kitchen with Cooking Utensils
    • Dining Room

    • Living Room with TV & Fireplace
    • Laundry Room with Washer & Dryer
    • Walk-Out Patio

  • Lower Level

    

    

    

    

    • Furnished
    • Shared Bathroom with Bath/Shower
    • Kitchen with Cooking Utensils

    • Living Room with TV & Billiard Table
    • Dining Room
    • Walk-Out Patio

  • Standard Bedroom

    Available for $160 per week or $540 per month.

    Two bedrooms upstairs and three bedrooms downstairs. Standard Bedroom includes a full-size bed with bedding, a desk and closet. Shared Bathroom on each level.

    

    

    

  • Master Bedroom

    Please request rental schedule.

    One master bedroom is on the upper level. Includes a private bathroom, walk-in closet and private balcony. Furnished with a queen bed with bedding, chair, desk and nightstand.