Hosting a J-1 Scholar | Center for International Education | SIU

The U.S. Department of State (DoS) has mandatory requirements that must be met for foreign nationals to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 Visa). Therefore, the SIU faculty sponsor hosting the Exchange Visitor (EV) and any dependents (J-2 Visa) must agree to the following responsibilities in order for the Center for International Education (CIE) to issue the DS-2019 immigration document (s) for an EV and any dependents:
 

1. Monitor the Exchange Visitor’s (EV) conduct to ensure s/he engages in activities appropriate for the EV category and makes reasonable progress toward the program objectives.
2. Ensure EV and all dependents maintain the adequate DoS mandated health insurance coverage for the entire program duration (see Mandatory Insurance Information for details).
3. Review SIU Systems website on export compliance on laws and regulations of restricted physical and non-physical export of items. 
4. Understand significance of program start and end dates and report all changes to CIE.
5. Notify CIE of EV’s departure date from the US, particularly if it is earlier than the original end date.
6. Inform CIE of any changes to the EV’s program including:
   1. Changes in local address, email, or phone number
   2. Changes in types or amounts of funding
   3. Changes in program activities including date changes or changes in objectives.
7. Keep track of travel abroad and re-entry of both EV and dependents.
8. Provide assistance in securing housing (email jvisas@siu.edu for suggestions).
9. Prepare ‘Notice of Appointment’ paperwork to have SIU ID (Dawg Tag/Network ID) issued, including search waiver request.
10. Ensure the EV and dependents comply with all DoS regulations and SIU policies.
11. Provide EVs with cross-cultural experiences exposing them to American society and culture.
12. Encourage and arrange opportunities for EV to learn about life in the US and its people.
13. Provide a written summary of cultural activities to CIE at the end of EV’s stay.

Requirements:

Faculty members at SIU can invite J-1 Exchange Visitors (EV) by agreeing to "host" a non-citizen by applying through the Center for International Education. Before requesting to host a J-1 EV, the following documents must be submitted to jvisas@siu.edu.

1. Exchange Visitor Request Packet - completed and signed by faculty host/department
2. Exchange Visitor Agreement - signed by EV
3. Scan of Passport bio page (for invited EV and dependents)
4. Copy of departmental invitation letter which must cover the following at a minimum:
   1. Program start and end date
   2. Program objectives for example: major activities, research topic/goals, duties, job description
   3. Site of activity: where EV will work (office, lab, etc.)
   4. Letter should be from sponsoring faculty host and endorsed by department chair/dean
5.  Resume/CV (publications list not necessary)
6.  Must not currently be subject to the 12 or 24 month bars on initial or repeat participation
7.  Proof of funding (in English) which meets these minimum requirements:
   1. $1500 per month for the EV plus
   2. $500 per month for accompanying spouse plus
   3. $350 per month for each accompanying child
8. Demonstrated English proficiency by one of the following:
   1. Recognized English language test (TOEFL Internet Based – 61, or Paper Based Test – 500, IELTS – 5.0)
   2. Signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school that articulates the scores specified under option (1)
   3. Documented interview conducted in person, by videoconference, or by telephone (email jvisas@siu.edu for information about using this option)

Timeline: