Exchange Visitor Program

What is the Exchange Visitor Program?

The Exchange Visitor (EV) program is designed to bring students, researchers, professors to the United States for a variety of educational and cultural exchange purposes. This J-1 visa is set apart from all other non-immigrant visa classes by its underlying philosophy of educational and cultural exchange.

How does a department or faculty member invite a J-1 Exchange Visitor?

Step 1: For the department or faculty member

Step 2: Once ISS receives the EV Request Form, the EV will receive an email notification to complete the online application and submit the following:

  • EV Application.
  • *CV or Resume (in English).
  • Copy of the passport (for the EV and each dependent) Note: passport expiration date must be at least six months beyond the proposed end date of the proposed program.
    • Copy of any passport pages with past US Visa information (for the Exchange Visitor and for each dependent), if applicable.
  • Copy of highest degree earned.
  • Proof of Financial Support – the EV should expect to provide proof in the amount of 1,200 USD per month for the duration of stay. An additional 600 USD per month is required for each dependent, if any.
  • *English proficiency test scores. (Previous study/work in English speaking countries is also accepted)
  • Health Insurance Selection.

*Inviting department should verify that the participant has the education and credentials necessary to carry out the activity for which the EV is entering the US and that they have sufficient proficiency in the English language to function in an English-speaking environment.

Step 3: ISS will prepare the DS-2019 and send it to the prospective J-1 visitor.

Step 4: The prospective J-1 visitor pays the SEVIS fee and uses the DS-2019 to obtain a J-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad.

Step 5: The J-1 visitor enters the U.S. using a valid passport, J-1 visa stamp and DS-2019. The J-1 visitor must enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 calendar days before the program start date listed on the DS-2019.

Logistical/Cultural Considerations:

Overseas Visitors have varying degrees of familiarity with American cultural norms. It is required for the Inviting Department to help familiarize the EV with the business practices of the department as well as other elements of life in Brockport and in the U.S. It is vital that the Inviting department assign a faculty host who will be available to advise the visitor regarding the following types of things:

  • Accommodation (distance from campus, grocery store, etc/furnishings/utilities/etc);
  • Transportation (to and from the airport/to and from campus responsibilities/travel/etc);
  • Notify ISS of faculty scholar’s arrival to campus;
  • Human Resource information;
  • University ID/Net ID information;
  • Education for any dependents;
  • Other items as needed.

EV Orientation:

Newly arrived J- 1 scholars are required to make an appointment with Keith Davis (kdavis@brockport.edu) in International Student Services, who will review the scholar’s documents and discuss pertinent information concerning SUNY Brockport and the community. If not validated in the SEVIS system within 30 days after the start date, the scholar’s SEVIS record will become invalid and the scholar must depart the U.S.

For more information about the J-visa process, you may contact Keith Davis, Associate Director, at kdavis@brockport.edu.

SEVIS Responsibilities for EV:

Visiting scholars are responsible for complying with U.S. federal laws and regulations governing the J-visa.

  • Upon your arrival on campus, please visit the ISS office to receive the signature of the RO or ARO and orientation materials.
  • Report your change of address to the ISSS office within 10 days.
  • Depart the U.S. within the 30 days after the end of the program.
  • Apply for extension before the expiration of the program.
  • Maintain required health and accident insurance.
  • Keep your passport valid at all times.
  • Carry your original documents when traveling outside of the Greater Rochester area.

Please notify the ISSS office if you plan to:

  • depart unexpectedly from the U.S.
  • apply for an extension.
  • bring your dependents for a visit.
  • lose any of your travel documents.
  • travel to countries that may require a visa.