International Scholars

Background: 

The purpose of the [Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (the “Act”), as amended, Public Law 87-256, 22 U.S.C. 2451, et seq. (1988)] is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges. Educational and cultural exchanges assist the Department of State in furthering the foreign policy objectives of the United States

    . . . . . 

The purpose of the Program is to provide foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States and return home to share their experiences, and to encourage Americans to participate in educational and cultural programs in other countries. 

    (22 CFR Part 62 - Exchange Visitor Program, § 62.1 Purpose, (a) and (b))

What is the purpose of the exchange visitor program (J-1 Visa program)? 

The Exchange Visitor Program fosters global understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. All exchange visitors are expected to return to their home country upon completion of their program in order to share their exchange experiences.

    http://j1visa.state.gov/basics/common-questions/?aid=22

NB: The Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) is NOT a work program. It is not an alternative work option for the H1B visa program, nor is it a temporary bridge from an F-1 OPT situation to an H-1B or other visa. It is a cultural exchange program. 

 Authorized UNF EVP Categories: 

 Short-term scholar. A foreign national who is a professor, research scholar, or person with similar education or accomplishments who enters the United States for a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, postsecondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions. The maximum duration of stay is six months. 

Professor. A foreign national whose primary purpose is teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at postsecondary accredited academic institutions, museums, libraries, or similar types of institutions. A professor also may conduct research where authorized by the sponsor. The participant must not be a candidate for a tenure track position. The maximum duration of stay is five years. 

Research scholar. A foreign national whose primary purpose is conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project at research institutions, corporate research facilities, museums, libraries, postsecondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions. A research scholar also may teach or lecture where authorized by the sponsor. The participant must not be a candidate for a tenure track position. The maximum duration of stay is five years. 

Reciprocity:

In conducting its exchange visitor program, sponsors must make a good faith effort to develop and implement, to the fullest extent possible, reciprocal exchanges of persons. 

NOTE: Please direct all questions to Adianez Garcia Campos (Director International Students & Scholar Services, 58E/2308, x1097,a.garciacampos@unf.edu) regarding these materials and the UNF Exchange Visitor Program.

Useful Information: 

1. Use the information provided below for Exchange Visitors (EV) who will be classified as (A) Research Scholars, (B) Professors, or (C) Short-Term Scholars. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS PROCESS FOR STUDENTS. There is a separate process for students that is available from the International Center. 

2. Start the process by making an appointment with Adianez Garcia Campos (Director International Student & Scholar Services) as soon as possible, with a minimum of six months before the start of the EV Program, preferably earlier. At this meeting the goals and objectives of the Exchange Visitor Program will be explained, as well as the internal process and the different forms that need to be submitted. There is also a good deal of information needed from the EV, and several offices on campus are involved with the full process. Materials then have to be sent to the EV for him/her to obtain a visa, which will take time additional time. 

3. An EV program for Research Scholars and Professors may be requested for up to five years maximally. The maximum duration of a Short-Term Scholar program is six months, with no extensions beyond six months possible. 

4. An EV who has been in the U.S. as a J-1 Student, Research Scholar, Professor, or J-2 dependent longer than six months is barred from re-entering the U.S. as a Research Scholar or Professor for 12 months following the expiration of his/her program or stay. This regulation does not apply to Short-Term Scholars. 

5. If any UNF funding is being provided to the visitor by UNF, the department will need to submit documentation to the International Center on the amount to be paid. If the source of the EV's support is from an organization other than UNF, evidence of funding must be included with this request. If supported by personal funds, a bank statement must be provided. If supported by government or international funds, an official statement translated into English with funds converted to U.S. dollars must be provided. 

6. Financial support of $2,000 per month is required for a Research Scholar, Professor, or Short-Term Scholar. EV dependents (spouse, children) who accompany the EV require additional funding. The financial support statement must be expressed in English and in U.S. dollars. The minimum amounts required are as follows: 

7. Health and accident insurance coverage is mandatory for all EVs and their dependents while they are in the U.S., for the full duration of their program. The DS-2019 will not be issued without a signed Exchange Visitor Insurance Notification Form. 

8. On the Exchange Visitor Request Form, to "Begin a new EV program" means the EV will (normally) come from his/her home country of citizenship or residence directly to the U.S. 

9. On the Exchange Visitor Request Form, to "Transfer to UNF" means the EV is already in the U.S. at another institution in one EV program, and is being invited to transfer to an EV program at UNF. Copies of all the DS2019 forms issued by the other institution(s) must be attached to this form. Please submit a "transfer" request with a lead time of six weeks (minimum) to provide time for UNF to obtain an official release from the former institution. 

10. The Exchange Visitor Profile should be completed and signed by the EV; a scanned version is acceptable. 

11. Please see the Steps for Internal University Review/Approval Process sheet for full information on how to initiate and process the Exchange Visitor request.