About the exchange visitor program
The purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is to promote international educational and cultural exchange in order to develop mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. The U.S. Department of State administers the Exchange Visitor Program, and it assigns certain cultural and educational institutions, such as Stevens, as sponsors to administer its program. Designated ISSS staff members serve as representatives, known as Responsible Officers or Alternate Responsible Officers (RO/ARO), and they help administer the exchange visitor program for Stevens.
For more information on Stevens’ Exchange Visitor Program, please refer to the links below: * Exchange Visitor Program Information: http://exchanges.state.gov/non-us * Stevens' J-1 Scholar Information: http://www.stevens.edu/directory/international-student-and-scholar-services/j-1-scholars |
J-1 Program Information & Requirements
As
an Exchange Visitor, you will only be able to participate in the
activities/objectives for you which you are authorized under your J-1 category
and on your DS-2019. You will also be
required to comply with certain rules and regulations during your time here in
order to maintain your status.
Additional information on how to maintain your J-1 status can be found
here:
Program Objectives and Activities
As an Exchange Visitor, you will only be authorized to work (either paid or unpaid) as specified on your form DS-2019 and per the terms of your appointment/invitation letter from Human Resources. Any additional employment or off-site activities, including occasional lectures and consultations, will only be allowed if they are directly related to your program objectives, are incidental to your primary program activities, do not delay the completion date of your program, and are documented and approved by ISSS staff in advance. Extension of the period of stay and Maximum Stay If during your stay it is decided to renew or extend your program, a program extension is possible for some categories, provided that the sponsoring department submits the extension request prior to the end date of the DS-2019. Maximum length of stays are as such for the following categories.
212(E) Two-Year Home Residence Requirement The 212(e) home residence requirement means that subject EVs must "reside and be physically present" in their "home" country for a total of 2 years before being eligible for certain immigration benefits in the U.S. Those benefits include:
Health Insurance All J-1 exchange visitors and their dependents are required by law to have health insurance that meets specific minimum requirements throughout the duration of their program. Health insurance coverage for both J-1 EVs and their dependents must begin on the program start date listed on their DS-2019s, and must cover them until the program end date on the DS-2019s. Dependents are required to be covered even if they are not physically residing in the U.S. for the whole program. The minimum requirements can be found in the J-1 Insurance Requirement and Agreement. You are required to provide the ISSS office with proof of your health insurance coverage at least two weeks prior to the start of your J-1 program. “Willful failure” on the part of a scholar/professor to maintain appropriate health insurance for either themselves or their dependents may result in termination of J-1 status. Tax Information, Social Security Numbers and Others As a J-1 exchanges visitor, you will be eligible to apply for a driver’s license in the U.S., and may be eligible for a Social Security Number if you will be employed at Stevens. You will also be required to file taxes every year, regardless of whether you receive a salary in the U.S. Please refer to the following link for more information: http://www.stevens.edu/directory/international-student-and-scholar-services/life-us |
Contact Information:
International Student and Scholar Services
Office Location: Alexander House, First Floor/ Click here to find the Alexander House (#28) on the map
Phone: 201-216-5189
Advisor-on-Call Hours*
*Meetings all other time by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, or submit questions via e-mail, please e-mail your immigration advisor. Click here to see the ISSS contact Information
Office Location: Alexander House, First Floor/ Click here to find the Alexander House (#28) on the map
Phone: 201-216-5189
Advisor-on-Call Hours*
- Mondays, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
- Wednesdays, 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
- Thursdays, 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
*Meetings all other time by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, or submit questions via e-mail, please e-mail your immigration advisor. Click here to see the ISSS contact Information
Office of Designation (Department of State)
Email Address: [email protected]
Mailing Address:
U.S. Department of State
Office of Designation
Academic and Government Programs Division
ECA/EC/D, SA-44
301 4th Street SW, Room 668
Washington, DC 20547-4406
Street Address (couriers):
U.S. Department of State
Office of Designation
Academic and Government Programs Division
ECA/EC/D, SA-44
301 4th Street SW, Room 668
Washington, DC 20547-4406
FAX number: (202) 632-2701