J-1 Exchange Visitor (Scholar) Request

Sponsoring unit administrator/faculty prepares the documents below and forwards to the College Dean for approval.

• First, have the exchange visitor fill out the J-1 Personal Information Form and attach supporting documentation:
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Copy of passport picture page
  • Financial documentation (in English and no older than 6 months from date of submission)
  • Certified copy of academic degree
  • A personal statement identifying the reasons to leave the U.S. after program completion
• Sponsoring department fills out the DS-2019 Request Form.
• Sponsoring department prepares supporting documentation:
  • Invitation letter (unpaid) or appointment letter (paid), signed by the College Dean.
    • Include in the letter: Inclusive dates of the appointment, program being established, research being conducted and/or courses being taught with the salary, if appropriate.
  • Lecturer Transaction form (Form 500; use PeopleSoft Temporary Faculty Contract module to create this form), if a paid position. 

Once APS reviews the packet for eligibility and completeness, we will issue the Form DS-2019, notify the sponsoring faculty and department administrator that the request has been approved, and the DS-2019 has been issued. and insurance requirements are ready for retrieval.

• DS-2019 Request Form (to be completed by sponsor)
• J-1 Personal Information Form (to be completed by prospective exchange visitor) 

• Copy of passport biography (picture) page for self and any dependents
• Financial documentation (in U.S. dollars with English translation and no older than 6 months from date of submission)
• Certified copy of academic degree
• A personal statement (identifying the reasons to leave the U.S. after program completion)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Marriage certificate (if bringing dependent spouse)

• Invitation or Appointment letter - Faculty Sponsor
• Invitation or Appointment letter - College Dean
• Lecturer Transaction form (Form 500), if paid position

Proof of English Proficiency

Academic Personnel Services administers the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program on behalf of Cal Poly Humboldt (Humboldt).  The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) is to promote educational and cultural exchanges through study, research, lecturing, observing, consulting, and participating in cross-cultural activities.  Note, the EVP cannot be used to avoid paying prevailing wages in post-doctoral positions.  

Cal Poly Humboldt is authorized to issue the Form DS-2019 or "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status", a pre-requisite to requesting a J visa interview, for these non-student Exchange Visitor categories:  

• Professor: A foreign national whose primary purpose is teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at post-secondary accredited academic institutions, museums, libraries, or similar types of institutions. A professor also may conduct research when authorized by the sponsor and immigration official.
• 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, post-secondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions. A research scholar also may teach or lecture when authorized by the sponsor and immigration official.
• 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, post-secondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions. 
• Specialist: A foreign national who is an expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skills who enters the United States for the purpose of observing, consulting, or demonstrating special knowledge or skills. 

DOS also requires sponsors to confirm that prospective exchange visitors possess “sufficient proficiency in the English language, as determined by an objective measurement of English language proficiency, to successfully participate in his or her program and to function on a day-to-day basis” (see 22 CFR Part 62.11[a][2]).  According to federal regulations an “objective measurement of English language proficiency” can be any one of the following: a recognized English language test; signed documentation from an academic institution; or a documented interview conducted by the sponsoring faculty member.

English language proficiency can be demonstrated by meeting the following language requirements:

English language proficiency can also be shown by providing information from a U.S. or foreign institution where English is the/an official language in the form of a letter or official transcript from an accredited college or university verifying either full time enrollment in a post-secondary degree program or completion of a degree program (e.g., a bachelor’s degree). 

Visiting scholars may be financially supported by the sponsoring department, external agencies, scholar’s home government or institution, or entirely by the scholar’s personal resources.  Regardless of the funding source, Academic Personnel Services must verify the exchange visitor’s funding prior to DS-2019 issuance.  Exchange visitors are, therefore, required to submit proof of funding (e.g., letters of support or personal bank statements) for the duration of their program period.  If you have any questions about how the current estimates are calculated, please contact APS.

The Department of State (DOS) has established minimum requirements for insurance that are designed to protect the exchange visitor and accompanying dependents.  In accordance with 22 C.F.R. Part 62.14 all exchange visitors, and any dependents, must have insurance in effect during the period of time that they participate in Cal Poly Humboldt’s exchange visitor program.

Disclaimer: While the University and Academic Personnel Services make every effort to ensure the information displayed on this page is accurate, the changing nature of immigration regulations and timelines means we cannot guarantee such. We strongly encourage you to retain your own counsel to ensure your case is managed in a timely and professional manner.