UTA J-1 Scholar Information
Welcome to the Office of International Education J-1 scholar web page. This page is intended to provide general information to J-1 scholars, J-2 dependents and the sponsoring departments at University of Texas at Arlington.
For information on H-1B temporary nonimmigrant worker visas and the University's sponsorship of foreign national employees for permanent resident status, please visit http://www.uta.edu/hr/eos/international-employees/index.php
J-1 Scholar Overview
Health Insurance Requirement
It is not only unwise to be in the United States without adequate health insurance, it is a violation of J-1 status. Although in many countries the government bears the expense of health care for its citizens, individuals and families in the United States are responsible for these costs themselves. Since a single day of hospitalization and medical treatment can cost thousands of dollars, many hospitals and clinics refuse to treat uninsured patients except in life-threatening emergencies. A good medical insurance plan is the only protection against the enormous costs of health care in the USA. The visitor is required to certify that he/she has the required levels of health, medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance for himself/herself and dependents. The U.S. Department of State defines adequate coverage as:
- Coverage of at least $100,000 per accident/illness, with no more than a $500 deductible
- Coverage of at least $25,000 for repatriation of remains in case of death;
- Coverage of at least $50,000 for medical evacuation to the home country.
Funding Requirements
English Language requirement
The exchange visitor must be able to participate in his or her program and to function on a day-to-day basis in English. Suggested objective measurements of English Language Proficiency as per U.S. Department of State [22 CFR 62.11(a)(2)]
- A recognized English Language Test; (IELTS speaking score of 5, iBT speaking score of at least 18-25, or TOEIC speaking score of at least 6)
- Signed documentation from an academic institution or English Language School; or
- A documented interview conducted by the sponsor either in-person or by video conference, or by telephone if video conference is not a viable option. PLEASE INCLUDE COPY OF THE INTERVIEW RESULTS.
SEVIS Fee
J-Extension
212 e Home Residency Requirement
Maintaining Your J-1 Status
- Be aware of the expiration date of your status. This is not your visa expiration date; it is the ending date in section 3 of your DS-2019 form. If your appointment at the University is extended, the hiring department must contact OIE before the current expiration date of the current form to have the DS-2019 form extended.
- If you complete your program early, more than 14 days prior to the program end date on your DS-2019, you must inform OIE so that we can update your record accordingly.
- Do not accept unauthorized employment. The only activity you are permitted is the one described in section 4 of the DS-2019 form. You must consult OIE beforehand if you wish to take up any other work during your stay.
- If offered a comparable position at another college or university, discuss your plans with OIE to make sure that the required transfer procedure can be accomplished.
- Comply with the U.S. Department of State health insurance requirements for J-1 visa holders and their families. Willful disregard of these requirements will result in termination of your program and your J-1 status.
- Keep your passport valid. Passports can be renewed by your consulate in the United States. For a listing of Foreign Embassies in the U.S., go to the US State Department Web Sites of Foreign Embassies Homepage.
- Must report within 10 calendar days not only of address changes, but also of changes to the exchange visitor’s telephone number and email address to Office of International Education
- Must report accompanying spouses’ and/or dependents’ departure from the United States prior to the exchange visitors’ departure dates and without the intention of returning to accompany the J-1 for the remainder of his or her program.
Upon arrival to Arlington
- Visit the Office of International Education so that an advisor can validate your program participation, verify mandatory health insurance coverage, and provide you with helpful information about getting settled in Arlington.
- New scholar orientations are every Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. The Office of International Education is located at 1022 UTA Blvd.
- If you are not able to arrive by the program start date indicated on your DS-2019, OIE must be notified so that a new DS-2019 can be processed if appropriate.
Additional Resources
- The Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure
- Wilberforce Pamphlet (Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers)
The U.S. Department of State has developed the following welcome brochure to introduce you to the Exchange Visitor Program:
https://j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Brochure-The-Exchange-Visitor-Program.pdf
If you will be working in the United States during your exchange visitor program, please take time to read the pamphlet for temporary workers:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/temporary-workers.html
Forms
- Verification of English language ability (through a sponsor-conducted interview, by a recognized English language test, or by signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school).
- Verification of sufficient finances to support self and dependents if applicable for the entire stay in the United States
- Copy of passport ID page (if available)
- Resume or CV
* J-1 Scholars->USD 1329.08/month
* J-2 Spouse -> USD 417/month
* J-2 Child -> USD 417/month