Requirements and Procedures for inviting J-1 exchange visitors
Requirements:

Position: The J-1 non-student exchange visitor status is appropriate for post-doctoral positions, temporary research appointments, or visiting scholars, short-term scholars and professors. These visitors may conduct research, teach, lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills for a time period of a couple of weeks to a maximum of three years. Persons in this category may not enroll in a degree program or take classes that may be applied toward a degree. For more detailed information about each category review the Department of State guidelines for exchange visitors.

Limitations of stay: A J-1 scholar is allowed up to three years in the U.S.; if one's research work is not completed by the end of that time, the academic department may request the extension of the principal's authorized stay by six months. In this case a written explanation of the reasons for extension must be attached to the request form. If the person is transferring from another school's J-1 program, the time used at the other school will be subtracted from the three-year limit. A copy of the current DS-2019 form must be attached to the request. Short-term scholars are allowed up to 6 months in the U.S. Extension of stay beyond the six months is not allowed for short-term scholars. Use of exchange visitor visas for tenure track or permanent appointments is prohibited. Visiting scholars from certain countries and professions may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement.

Funding: A J-1 visitor may have funding from various sources, including financial support from Virginia Tech, U.S. government organizations, foreign government organizations, foreign universities or other institutions, or personal funds. Regardless of the source(s) of funds, the base amount for one year for the principal is expected to be fair and equitable (a minimum of $16,800 per year -- $1,400 per month -- is required to cover the living and miscellaneous expenses in Blacksburg); an additional amount of $4,000 per year is required for a spouse and $1500 for each child. Submission of official statement(s) from sponsor(s) is required. Please note that the $16,000/year minimum requirement is established for immigration purposes only, to ensure that the visiting scholar has sufficient funds to cover living expenses in the Blacksburg area. However, Virginia Tech employment guidelines must be followed when hiring an international scholars. These guidelines may require funding at a higher level. Please contact the Research Division (231-9359) or Personnel (231-5301) for more information about hiring and appointment policies.

Insurance Requirements: Government regulations regarding health and accident insurance for all individuals holding J-1 visas are listed below. We are required by law to assure that all J-1 visa holders are informed that they must maintain at least the insurance coverage listed below:

The policy must also cover an accompanying spouse, as well as dependent children. Insurance policies that include provisions for co-insurance under the terms of which an exchange visitor is required to pay up to 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness are permitted. The regulations require the university to terminate the program status for willful failure to comply. Insurance may be purchase in the scholar's home country prior to arrival or at Virginia Tech after arrival.

Accompanying dependents: An exchange visitor may be accompanied by his/her spouse and dependent children (under 21). If the dependents are planning to join the visiting scholar, please list their names, date of birth and place of birth on the request form.
Mandatory check-in: Exchange visitors must check in with the Office of International Research Education and Development after arrival (within 2-3 days of arrival in the U.S.). Their arrival information is reported to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement through SEVIS. Individuals who fail to check in will be considered out of status by ICE.
Mandatory orientation: Participation in the orientation program is required for all new exchange visitors. Details about the program are listed under the procedures. Orientation is offered on the first and third Wednesday of every month, year round. Responsible faculty members or other department representatives are welcome to participate in the orientation.

Procedures:
1. The academic department completes the request form, including all necessary signatures, and sends it to the Office of International Research Education and Development (526 Prices Fork Rd, fax - 540-231-6427). Please attach official verification of funds (e.g. letter from sponsor, bank statement, etc.) Requests will not be processed without all the appropriate signatures and required documentation.
2. Processing takes approximately 2-3 days. If the principal is a new J-1 applicant, a DS-2019 form will be issued for the individual (and any accompanying family members) overseas. The department will be notified when to form is ready and can pick up the DS-2019 form and mail it to the exchange visitor. The individual then will take the DS-2019 form to the nearest U.S. consulate in his/her home country to apply for a J-1 visa. If the principal is on another J-1 program within the U.S., the program sponsor must release the SEVIS records of the exchange visitor before a new DS-2019 can be issued by Virginia Tech. The form then will be released to the department or the J-1 scholar. If the DS-2019 form is for extension, the visiting scholar will have to come to the Office of International Research, Education and Development (OIRED) to pick it up.
3. All exchange visitors are required to report to the OIRED with their DS-2019 form, passport, I-94 form and proof of insurance within 2-3 days after arrival in the United States. The OIRED offers an orientation program for new visiting scholars on a need basis.. Information is provided about immigration regulations and benefits, the university, health insurance issues, obtaining a Hokie passport and a social security number, work permission for dependents in J-2 status, and other important issues. Participation in the orientation program is required for all exchange visitors.
For further details please contact:

Dr. Gerald Berkley-Coats
Email: gberkley@vt.edu
Phone: 540-231-6459
526 Prices Fork Rd