J1 Exchange Visiting Scholar

Weber State University 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 (WSU) 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.
     • $95 Application Fee
     • Financial documents showing at least $3,500 per month; $5,500 per year for a spouse ($460 per month) and $3,000 per year for each child ($250 per month).
     • 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 (issc@weber.edu).

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

• Required Minimum Funding for All J-1 Exchange Visitors

  Overview

  Federal regulations require J-1 Exchange Visitor Programs to verify that a J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) and their J-2 dependents have sufficient funding to cover expenses for the duration of the J-1 program that meet the required minimum. In order for ISSC to issue a DS-2019, EVs must submit the appropriate documentation for funding verification.

  For all exchange visitors, regardless of title, combined sources of funding must also be sufficient to cover expenses and not less than:

  • $28,655 per year for Undergraduate Students (or half this amount for one semester)
  • $17,421 to $31,319 per year for Graduate Students (see cost estimate for more information)
  • $3500 per month for Scholars
    • $5,500 per year per spouse or $460 per month
    • and $3,000 per year per child dependent or $250 per month

   

  IMPORTANT:  J-1 Exchange Visitors may NOT solely use personal or family funds for the required minimum funding. This means that at least a considerable amount of the total required funding must come from an outside source or a combination of the following:

  • WSU Funding
  • Scholarship, grant or fellowship from an external organization
  • Home country government support
  • International organization funding
  • Corporate sponsorship

   

  • Funding from WSU

    If paid by Weber State University, funding can be demonstrated by the University host department’s offer or appointment letter include the following:

    • Exchange Visitor's Name
    • Funding Source
    • Exact Amounts in U.S. Dollars

  • Funding from Other Institutions

    This could include a visitor’s home country government organization, an educational institution or organization, a scholarship, etc. 

    Funding Documents must provide the following:

    • Letter must be written on Letterhead
    • Specific dates in which the funding is available
    • The amount of funding provided during the entire visit
    • Clearly state that the funding is to be used to support the Exchange Visitor's program
    • Signature from an Authorized Signatory at the organization

     

    In cases in which the documentation reflects a range in funding, ISSC will use the lowest figure in the range, unless the J-1 Scholar provides a letter from the funding source indicating otherwise.

    If a J-1 Scholar is sponsored by his/her home country employer (e.g., during a sabbatical from the home university), the letter from the employer must state that the J-1 Scholar will continue receiving a salary while at WSU (salary statement alone is not sufficient).

    Documentation must be copies of originals (please note that the U.S. Consulate requires original documentation during the visa application process).

  • Personal and Family Funding

    If the J-1 Scholar will be supported financially by themselves, and/or a family member(s), please submit the following:

    • A financial guarantee form signed by the sponsor attesting that the J-1 Scholar is entitled to the funds in the sponsor’s account
    • Provide a bank statement(s) or letters that must include the following information:
      • If the document is not originally in English, submit the original documentation plus a certified English translation 
      • Account holder’s name should reflect the financial sponsor
      • Currency (must be clearly referenced and converted into USD)
      • Amount available
      • Issue date (not older than 6 months upon receipt by ISSC)

  • Unacceptable Documents & Funding Sources

    • Any document that is dated more than six months prior to the DS-2019 request.
    • Screenshots or printouts of an online account taken directly from the browser window. A regular monthly statement downloaded from your online account documents is acceptable.
    • Investment accounts such as stocks, lines of credit, bonds, retirement accounts or any other type of investment funds.
    • Statements of value for property, land, houses, apartments, or other assets.
    • Salary, wage, or income statements; tax forms or insurance policies.

     

    Failure to follow the instructions above will result in delay of issuing the DS-2019.

• 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

  Departments can reach out to Sherri Melton (sherrimelton@weber.edu) for details regarding housing costs and reservation.

  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.