Submit and complete the J-1 Exchange Student Application.

During the online application process, students will need to upload the following documents:

• Current college/university transcript
• Copy of passport picture page
• Partner school nomination letter
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores (View our Language Policy for the full list of accepted tests and exemptions)
  • Duolingo: Minimum score of 230
  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 70
  • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0
  • PTE: Minimum score of 50

The DS-2019 application for J-1 Visa will require that you submit proof of English language proficiency. Participants must possess sufficient proficiency in the English language to participate in their programs. [22 CFR 62.10(a)(2)]. 

Applications must be received by the following deadlines:

Once your decision letter is posted to your application portal, you will receive your Banner ID (student ID number). Your Banner ID is the 9-digit ID number that follows the format 916XXXXXX. You should keep this number safe, as you will need it throughout your time at Rowan University.

Next, you will have to activate your NetID, set your password, and enroll in DUO two-factor authentication. Your NetID is the login information that is used to access your student email, Terra Dotta profile, and other important Rowan-affiliated websites. Information on how set up your NetID can be found on this website. If you encounter any difficulties during this process, please contact Rowan IRT at support@rowan.edu or at +1 856-256-4400.

Click here for information on how to access your student email account. From this point forward, you should only use your student email address when communicating with the International Center or any other Rowan University office. Updates regarding your J-1 status, DS-2019, and general student information will be sent to your student email address.

Within a few business days (Monday-Friday) of activating your NetID, an email will be sent to your student email address with instructions on how to access Terra Dotta, your international student portal. You will use Terra Dotta to submit your DS-2019 application.

When logging in, select the option to “log in using campus ID,” and use your NetID information. However, you will be unable to log into Terra Dotta until you have officially been invited. Please contact us at rowanic@rowan.edu with any questions about this process.

Please follow the instructions found in the Terra Dotta invitation email and on your Terra Dotta profile to submit your DS-2019 application. An advisor will process your application as quickly as possible and send a confirmation email to your student email address, along with the J-1 Handbook and information on next steps.

Exchange Students at Rowan are guaranteed on-campus housing. Submit the On-campus Housing Application to secure your housing for your exchange period. For more information on costs, please review “Tuition and Costs for Exchange Students.”

Students coming to Rowan through an Exchange Agreement have their tuition fees waived as part of the agreement with their Home University. However, you will likely still be required to pay your tuition to your Home University. Please speak to your Home University to determine your obligations regarding tuition while you are on your exchange program.

Exchange Students will need to pay for housing if they are living on campus. Students should review the current University Housing Rates for more information on housing costs.

Exchange students are not required to purchase a meal plan. However, meal plans are available. Information on the available meal plans and associated costs can be found on the Student Meal Plan Options page.

Per government regulations, J-1 students must demonstrate proof of funds for the duration of their stay at Rowan University. When submitting your DS-2019 application through Terra Dotta, you must upload proof of funding. You must demonstrate, at minimum, the total costs below:

You should also keep in mind additional costs for miscellaneous expenses, such as personal expenses, travel, and food. Please review the Cost of Attendance webpage for an idea of what these expenses may look like.

Exchange Visitors applying for a J-1 visa are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee prior to visiting the U.S. Embassy. ​​​​​​​The I-901 SEVIS fee is different from the fees for visa services issued by the Department of State, which is illustrated in "Schedule Your Embassy Appointment."

Go to fmjfee.com. This video tutorial​​​​​​​ is very helpful and guides you through each step of the I-901 SEVIS fee payment process, highlighting the information you must input, and what you must do once you have completed payment. The tutorial also clarifies instructions for making payments through the Western Union payment process.

Regulations require all prospective students and scholars to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before the Department of State issues them a visa to enter the United States.

Students must print their I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt to present as proof of payment at their visa interview and to enter the United States at a U.S. port of entry. A digital receipt is not sufficient.

The SEVIS ID on the payment confirmation receipt must always match the SEVIS ID on the student’s most current DS-2019, unless the student is considered a border commuter. If the SEVIS ID is different, please email sevis@ice.dhs.gov to confirm if a new I901 fee payment is required‑.

Reminders:

• ​​​​​​​You must have a DS-2019 to complete the Form I-901.
• Ensure that you enter your personal information as it appears on the DS-2019. If you notice the information on your DS-2019 is incorrect, contact the International Center immediately.
• To complete Form I-901, you must enter the Rowan University Program Number: ​​​​​​​P-1-10199.
• You must also enter your SEVIS ID number, which is printed on the top-right corner of the first page of your DS-2019. It starts with the letter "N".

You must submit a completed DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application for the J visa category. Carefully review the details about Exchange Visitor visas.

You should have your passport and SEVIS ID numbers available while completing the DS-160.

All answers must be in English, using English characters only, with the exception of providing your full name in your native alphabet. If you submit your application in any language other than English, it will be denied, and you may be required to submit a new application.

The application will ask for the contact information of your RO or ARO. For this, you can enter the name of whoever signed your DS-2019. For an email address, you can use rowanic@rowan.edu, and for a phone number, you can use 856-256-4292.

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions for further details.

After you have completed the DS-160, you will need to print and keep the DS-160 barcode page.

Apply for your visa as soon as possible to ensure ample processing time. Schedule an appointment at your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your home country to obtain your J-1 visa.

• Locate a U.S. Embassy 
• Understand Visa Appointment Wait Times

Please read the information about nonimmigrant visa application fees. This fee is different from the I-901 fee. Applicants must pay these fees as directed prior to their visa interview, and they must bring the receipt to their interview.

Read through all information provided online by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that you will be visiting prior to your interview.

What to Bring to Your Embassy Appointment:

• Rowan University Acceptance Letter
• Supporting Financial Documentation
• I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt
• Signed DS-2019
• Valid Passport
• DS-160 Confirmation Page
• Photo

Please carefully read all the details of required and additional documentation.

Notes:

• Be sure to present the original documents, not copies. To better prepare for your visa interview, please read through the “10 Points to Remember When Applying for a U.S. Visa” prepared by NAFSA.
• You must NOT use your J-1 visa to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the start of your program. Also, DO NOT enter the U.S. on a B-1 or B-2 status (tourist) as it is considered fraudulent entry

J-1 Exchange Students can study for one to two semesters at Rowan University. Students are required to take a minimum of 12 undergraduate credits (4 courses) to maintain their visa status. A full list of courses available can be found on the Rowan Section Tally. Please take into consideration the prerequisites for every course that you select, as you must show the respective transcript to prove that you have already taken the required course.

Once you are an admitted Exchange Student, an Academic Advisor will assist you with questions related to course registration.

Participants and any J-2 dependents (spouses and minor unmarried children under the age of 21) accompanying them are required to carry medical insurance at the minimum benefit levels stated in the program regulations. [22 CFR 62.14] The willful failure to carry the required insurance for yourself and, if applicable, your dependents, will result in the termination of your J program and legal status in the U.S. For more details about J-1 Visa regulations and eligibility requirements, please go to: http://j1visa.state.gov/participants/

Health Insurance Coverage for J-1 Exchange Students

All international students, including J-1 Students, are required to choose one of the Rowan-approved* health insurance plans. View the Health Insurance Plan Options for International Students website for more information.

If you have questions about health requirements, please email wellness@rowan.edu. For Frequently Asked Questions and important health and insurance information, please review International Students Health Services details.

*Please note that Exchange Students are not eligible for the Rowan University Student Health Insurance Plan.

Before coming to the US, you should review the J-1 Handbook for important information regarding your arrival at Rowan, maintaining your J-1 status, and life in the United States.

All J-1 Exchange Students are required to attend the International Center’s International Onboarding Sessions. Details will be sent to your Rowan email address in advance.

The International Center staff and representatives from different departments on campus will be present at the orientation to welcome you and provide you with the information you need to start your journey at Rowan.