Federal U.S. Department of State Requirements

There are Federal U. S. Department of State requirements for all J-1 Exchange Visitors that include:

• Intent to pursue appropriate activity as outlined on the Form DS-2019 (e.g., research, teaching, or training)
• Intent to return to home country (as determined by consular officer)
• Sufficient funding for the program – minimum of $1200 month (or equivalent in waived room, board, and stipends) for independently-funded scholars, professors, specialist or student interns
• Appropriate background for program activity (i.e., J-1 Visitor must meet appropriate degree requirements)
• English Language Proficiency Requirements. The new provisions require the use of “objective measurements” of English language proficiency. For those whose native language is not English, determining adequate English language proficiency must be met through one of the following options:
  • An acceptable score on a recognized English language test such as the TOEFL. (minimum scores are 100 for TOEFL (internet test) or 7 for IELTS ( NOTE: TOEFL Scores less than 100 but not less than 95 or IELTS scores of 7 but not less than 6 may be considered but would require a documented SKYPE or in person interview with the responsible officer and a representative from the Dean of Academic Affairs office)). The exchange visitor provides the test results directly to the Dean of Academic Affairs Office or host department. For most degree and visiting students, this requirement is already met by the English language testing requirement of standard admission procedures.
  • OR English proficiency may also be documented through an interview process as follows: A documented interview conducted by the host department either in-person, via videoconferencing, or by telephone (if videoconferencing is not feasible). The Responsible Officer and the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs will determine internally who will be the best person to conduct such an interview. The following best practices are strongly recommended:
    • The interview is conducted by an objective party.
    • The interview is documented via a video or audio recording.
    • The host department will send a completed evaluation and video/audio recording to the Responsible Officer (as soon as reasonably possible following the interview).
    • The Responsible Officer in consultation with the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs will make all final decisions on English proficiency eligibility.