Old Dominion University hosts many international visitors each year as researchers and faculty via this program, which is overseen by the Department of State. The visa document request form to the right, issued by our office, is used to provide the information needed for their stay.
Below are outlines of requirements to qualify for a visiting scholar category at the University. In all cases, the international visitor must have a faculty sponsor who is willing to take responsibility for hosting the visit.
Individuals who join the University in J-1 status are not eligible for degree study at ODU. Students who wish to earn an Old Dominion degree must apply as regular students and be accepted through the normal admissions process. They must also contact VISA to change their visa to a degree-seeking student status.
Eligibility
The following categories of individuals may be authorized for DS-2019 forms as visiting faculty:
- Professors who are teaching at Old Dominion University in a visiting, non-tenure track position. No faculty member who is provided a tenure track appointment can be issued a DS-2019.
- Researchers who hold faculty appointments or comparable professional positions at an overseas institution.
- Graduate students who are completing a degree and who wish to come to Old Dominion University to conduct research under the guidance of a sponsoring ODU professor must be provided a DS-2019 as a researcher.
- Scholars who are coming to Old Dominion University for consultation, observation, or similar level professional activities. These activities must involve a specific objective and provide for the professional development and growth of the scholar, his/her institution, and/or Old Dominion University.
Steps for Inviting a J-1 Exchange Scholar
- The inviting faculty request a pre-approval review by submitting the invited scholar's CV/Resume, Passport, and country of Origin to VISA.
- After confirming the decision, the inviting faculty completes the Exchange Visitor Packet with all departmental signatures.
- The inviting faculty submits the completed packet to the Office of Research for the final review of the completed Exchange Visitor Packet, listed required documents and signatures. on the Volunteer/Visiting Scholar Agreement form for the Office of Research for the final signature.
- VISA requests an interview for English Proficiency Interview (if needed).
- VISA request UIN and creates DS-2019.
- Exchange scholar applies for J-1 visa at a US embassy AFTER receiving SEVIS Number included in email and on DS-2019. (exception:Canadian citizens)
Sponsoring Faculty & Department Responsibilities
- Ensure that the sponsoring faculty member will not be on sabbatical or other leave during the stay of the visiting faculty member; if he or she is taking leave, an alternate sponsor who will be available to meet the visiting faculty's needs must be specified in writing to the VISA office.
- Provide appropriate office and laboratory space as needed by the visiting faculty member to meet the goals of his/her visit.
- Assist the visiting scholar and his/her family with locating an appropriate place to live and related needs.
- Insure that the visiting faculty member visits VISA upon arrival at the university for orientation required by federal regulations and completes any processes required by the university.
- Insure that any difficulties which arise during the visiting faculty member's stay at ODU are brought to the attention of VISA.
- Request extensions of exchange visitors in a timely manner.
- Inform VISA when exchange visitor completes program and exits US.
English Proficiency Requirement
Requests for J-1 visa Exchange Visitors (EVs) coming as scholars/student interns will be asked to submit evidence of English proficiency along with the DS-2019 request to VISA. In order to show proficiency in "day-to-day" conversation outside of the direct activity of the exchange, EVs can meet the requirement through one of the following:
- Paper-based TOEFL (PBT): 500
- Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): 61
- IELTS: 5.5
- PTE: 44
- CAE: Grade C
- CPE: C1
- Submitting a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree equivalent from an accredited institution in a country where English is the native language (See list here)
- Evidence of citizenship of a country whose official language is English (See list here) If the exchange visitor does not have one of the test scored listed above, you may submit the DS-2019 Request Application without the English Proficiency Requirement. VISA will schedule an interview for the scholar to assess English Proficiency. The interview fee is $50.
Please note that these requirements are subject to change by VISA.
Applying for a J-1 Visa
J-1 exchange visitor must apply for J-1 visa stamp once they receive their DS-2019 form. The visa is the entry permit placed inside your passport by a U.S. consulate. It is used only to enter the United States and therefore does not need to be renewed while you remain in this country. To apply for a J-1 visa:
- Complete Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 - Learn more about completing the DS-160. You must: 1) complete the online visa application, and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Photo -You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
- Schedule an Interview - You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Click HERE for Appointment Wait times.
If it expires and you go outside the United States, you will need to obtain another visa--this can be done only outside of this country. If this is the case, you will need a new DS-2019, transcripts, and proof of financial support.
Health Insurance Requirement
Exchange visitors are required to have health insurance in effect for themselves and any accompanying dependents on J-2 visas; there are very specific requirements that must be met to avoid a visa status violation.
- Medical benefits of at least $ 100.000 per accident or illness; and
- Medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000; and
- Co-insurance of at least 75% of covered medical expense; and
- Repatriation coverage up to $25,000; and
- Deductible of no more than $500 per illness or accident.
The insurance must be maintained for the duration of the exchange visitor program.
Extension of DS-2019
If the completion of the program objective is going to require a longer time than what was originally on the DS-2019, the sponsoring department and scholar will need to request a new DS-2019 with an extended completion date. This request should be submitted at least 60 days prior to the expiration date on the DS-2019.
To request an extension of stay, the scholar should submit:
- the Request for a New I-20/DS-2019 form;
- a letter stating that they will continue to sponsor the scholar and state the new end date requested;
- new financial documentation;
- and proof of insurance for the extension period.
Employment
Employment of any type for J-1 (Exchange Visitor) scholar is allowed only under the specific terms which are stated on the DS-2019. Generally, this means that scholars admitted on Old Dominion's exchange visitor program may work only for Old Dominion University or the ODU Research Foundation. Scholars may maintain their program of teaching, research or observation as outlined on their DS-2019. A scholar may not undertake any other type of outside employment unless it is given specific authorization by the Responsible Officer of the institution or agency that has signed the DS-2019.
Eligibility
The following categories of individuals may be authorized for DS-2019 forms as visiting faculty:
- Professors who are teaching at Old Dominion University in a visiting, non-tenure track position. No faculty member who is provided a tenure track appointment can be issued a DS-2019.
- Researchers who hold faculty appointments or comparable professional positions at an overseas institution.
- Graduate students who are completing a degree and who wish to come to Old Dominion University to conduct research under the guidance of a sponsoring ODU professor must be provided a DS-2019 as a researcher.
- Scholars who are coming to Old Dominion University for consultation, observation, or similar level professional activities. These activities must involve a specific objective and provide for the professional development and growth of the scholar, his/her institution, and/or Old Dominion University.
Steps for Inviting a J-1 Exchange Scholar
- The inviting faculty request a pre-approval review by submitting the invited scholar's CV/Resume, Passport, and country of Origin to VISA.
- After confirming the decision, the inviting faculty completes the Exchange Visitor Packet with all departmental signatures.
- The inviting faculty submits the completed packet to the Office of Research for the final review of the completed Exchange Visitor Packet, listed required documents and signatures. on the Volunteer/Visiting Scholar Agreement form for the Office of Research for the final signature.
- VISA requests an interview for English Proficiency Interview (if needed).
- VISA request UIN and creates DS-2019.
- Exchange scholar applies for J-1 visa at a US embassy AFTER receiving SEVIS Number included in email and on DS-2019. (exception:Canadian citizens)
Sponsoring Faculty & Department Responsibilities
- Ensure that the sponsoring faculty member will not be on sabbatical or other leave during the stay of the visiting faculty member; if he or she is taking leave, an alternate sponsor who will be available to meet the visiting faculty's needs must be specified in writing to the VISA office.
- Provide appropriate office and laboratory space as needed by the visiting faculty member to meet the goals of his/her visit.
- Assist the visiting scholar and his/her family with locating an appropriate place to live and related needs.
- Insure that the visiting faculty member visits VISA upon arrival at the university for orientation required by federal regulations and completes any processes required by the university.
- Insure that any difficulties which arise during the visiting faculty member's stay at ODU are brought to the attention of VISA.
- Request extensions of exchange visitors in a timely manner.
- Inform VISA when exchange visitor completes program and exits US.
English Proficiency Requirement
Requests for J-1 visa Exchange Visitors (EVs) coming as scholars/student interns will be asked to submit evidence of English proficiency along with the DS-2019 request to VISA. In order to show proficiency in "day-to-day" conversation outside of the direct activity of the exchange, EVs can meet the requirement through one of the following:
- Paper-based TOEFL (PBT): 500
- Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): 61
- IELTS: 5.5
- PTE: 44
- CAE: Grade C
- CPE: C1
- Submitting a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree equivalent from an accredited institution in a country where English is the native language (See list here)
- Evidence of citizenship of a country whose official language is English (See list here) If the exchange visitor does not have one of the test scored listed above, you may submit the DS-2019 Request Application without the English Proficiency Requirement. VISA will schedule an interview for the scholar to assess English Proficiency. The interview fee is $50.
Please note that these requirements are subject to change by VISA.
Applying for a J-1 Visa
J-1 exchange visitor must apply for J-1 visa stamp once they receive their DS-2019 form. The visa is the entry permit placed inside your passport by a U.S. consulate. It is used only to enter the United States and therefore does not need to be renewed while you remain in this country. To apply for a J-1 visa:
- Complete Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 - Learn more about completing the DS-160. You must: 1) complete the online visa application, and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Photo -You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
- Schedule an Interview - You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Click HERE for Appointment Wait times.
If it expires and you go outside the United States, you will need to obtain another visa--this can be done only outside of this country. If this is the case, you will need a new DS-2019, transcripts, and proof of financial support.
Health Insurance Requirement
Exchange visitors are required to have health insurance in effect for themselves and any accompanying dependents on J-2 visas; there are very specific requirements that must be met to avoid a visa status violation.
- Medical benefits of at least $ 100.000 per accident or illness; and
- Medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000; and
- Co-insurance of at least 75% of covered medical expense; and
- Repatriation coverage up to $25,000; and
- Deductible of no more than $500 per illness or accident.
The insurance must be maintained for the duration of the exchange visitor program.
Extension of DS-2019
If the completion of the program objective is going to require a longer time than what was originally on the DS-2019, the sponsoring department and scholar will need to request a new DS-2019 with an extended completion date. This request should be submitted at least 60 days prior to the expiration date on the DS-2019.
To request an extension of stay, the scholar should submit:
- the Request for a New I-20/DS-2019 form;
- a letter stating that they will continue to sponsor the scholar and state the new end date requested;
- new financial documentation;
- and proof of insurance for the extension period.
Employment
Employment of any type for J-1 (Exchange Visitor) scholar is allowed only under the specific terms which are stated on the DS-2019. Generally, this means that scholars admitted on Old Dominion's exchange visitor program may work only for Old Dominion University or the ODU Research Foundation. Scholars may maintain their program of teaching, research or observation as outlined on their DS-2019. A scholar may not undertake any other type of outside employment unless it is given specific authorization by the Responsible Officer of the institution or agency that has signed the DS-2019.