Important Information
Important Information
Important 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.Proof of Funding
The U.S. Department of State requires that the sponsoring institution has documentation of an exchange visitor’s financial resources prior to issuing the Form DS-2019.
- The International Center at Rowan University estimates a minimum of $4,000 per per month is required to support a single visiting scholar. An additional $1,000 per year is required for each accompanying dependent.
Financial support can come from any combination of sources, including:
- Personal funding
- Sponsors (parents, friends, relatives, organizations, or institutions)
- You may have as many sponsors as needed
- Sponsors may provide support in the form of cash, housing, and/or meals
- Acceptable documents:
- a copy of the sponsor's most recent bank statement/a letter from the bank stating available funds
- a letter from the sponsor's employer stating the starting date of employment and annual salary in US dollars PLUS two recent paystubs
- a copy of the sponsor's most recent income tax return
- All sponsors MUST write and sign a letter declaring that they will support you for the duration of your program!
- For scholars being paid by Rowan University, the invitation letter/appointment letter (with salary included) is sufficient proof of funding!
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
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.
