Important Information

J-1 Visa Information

A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to exchange visitors (EVs) participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, especially to obtain educational, work, or business training within the U.S. All applicants must meet eligibility criteria and be sponsored either by a private sector or government program. [22 CFR 62]

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) in the International Center maintains Rowan’s J-1 exchange visitor program. ISSS supports exchange students from abroad using the non-degree student category and works with academic departments to bring temporary, visiting international faculty and researchers under the Research Scholar, Short-term Scholar, and Professor categories.

The Form DS-2019 is a controlled document of the Department of State that a sponsor issues to a potential Exchange Visitor Program participant (J-1) and their accompanying spouse and dependents (J-2) as permitted by regulations. This form, together with other necessary Department of State documents, permits the named foreign national, if required, to schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate to seek to obtain a J visa to enter the United States as an Exchange Visitor Program participant or as an accompanying spouse and dependent. [22 CFR 62.2]

What is a DS-2019?

The Form DS-2019 allows the EV to apply for a J-1 visa and, if the visa is granted, remain (for up to 5 years) in the United States to conduct research, teach, etc. The DS-2019 indicates the start and end dates of the EV program, a description of the research that will be conducted, and financial documentation to ensure the EV's visit is sufficiently funded.

J-1 Eligibility Requirements

English Proficiency

English proficiency is required to participate in the J-1 Exchange Visitor program. For scholars, language proficiency must be assessed by the host department and documented in Terra Dotta; for students, it is a prerequisite for being accepted to Rowan University.

Health Insurance

All Exchange Visitors are required by law to have health insurance from the moment they enter the US until the moment they leave. Willful failure to maintain insurance will result in the termination of your DS-2019. Proof of insurance will be requested during check-in. Detailed information on insurance can be found in the J-1 Handbook.

Proof of Funding

All Exchange Visitors must provide proof of funding for the duration of their stay. As a rule of thumb, demonstrate $24,000 per year with an extra $5,000 per year for the first J-2 dependent and $3,750 per year for all subsequent J-2 dependents. Proof of funds include job offer letters or personal bank documents.

J-1 Student & Scholar Handbook

All incoming Exchange Visitors should have access to the J-1 Student & Scholar Handbook, which includes important information on:

Paying the SEVIS I-901 fee and completing the DS-160
Arriving to the U.S. & checking in with the International Center
Mandatory health insurance requirements
The two-year home residency requirement & bars on repeat participation
Maintaining your status
Cultural exchange information

Download the J-1 Student & Scholar Handbook

Incident Report Form

It is the hosting faculty member's responsibility to report all injuiries, incidents, or accidents that involve the Exchange Visitor (including serious injuries, sexual violence, death, etc.).

Please download the Academic and Government Category Incident Report Form, print it out and complete it. Once you complete it, scan a copy and send it to rowanic@rowan.edu or bring it physically to our office for review. Please contact us if you have any questions.