The J visa is specifically designed to facilitate the exchange of persons for cultural and educational purposes. It is temporary in nature and has restrictions on who may qualify but is a useful option when considering a foreign national coming to UT for a visit. Full-time employees of UT Knoxville can request to host an EV. Persons who are administratively affiliated but not full-time employees may be able to host an EV under some circumstances.
A host supervisor should always keep in mind that a J exchange visitor is a guest. Exchange Visitors are often graduate students coming to conduct research or learn new methodologies, or they may be faculty or researchers in universities abroad who are collaborating on research or exploring new methodologies with a UT host.
Employment is allowed for the Exchange Visitor in the field of activity designated on the DS-2019. The employment should be commensurate with their level of education. Employment outside UT is possible in narrowly defined circumstances.
The J program has several regulations that are designed to force the Exchange Visitor to return to the home country after the visit is completed. These same rules may bar or hinder changing from J to another status such as H. J status should not be used as a stepping stone to remaining in the US.
Host Department and Supervisor Responsibilities
The host supervisor should work out a program plan with the visitor before their arrival. The start and ending dates need to be discussed. If UT is employing the visitor, the details of that employment such as salary and any benefits need to be clearly understood by the visitor. If the visit includes the possibility of an extension, the conditions for any extension need to be clarified.
Location
The specific street address of the planned activity needs to be clear. If a second or third site will be routinely used, that must be reported on the request form. Immigration requires an address that would allow an immigration officer to walk in and find the visitor at work.
Financial support
UT currently allows only 25 percent of the total minimum support to be from personal funds (savings). Paid sabbaticals are not considered personal funds. All the support for accompanying dependents may be from personal fund sources.
English ability
The visitor must have English ability so that they can carry on the purposed program. In addition, they must have adequate English to carry out routine tasks such as shopping.
Applying for the Initial DS-2019
In order to become a J-1 scholar or intern at the University of Tennessee, a scholar must be hosted by a UT department. The host department will be responsible for submitting a J-1 scholar request to ISSS. After reviewing and approving the forms and required documents, CGE will issue a DS-2019 for the scholar to apply for a J-1 visa.
Scholars will find useful information in the International Scholar’s Handbook, which includes the following information:
- Visa application process
- SEVIS fee
- Immigration-related topics
- General information about life in Knoxville and UT
- Checklists to guide you before and after you arrive in Knoxville
Program Extensions for J-1:
J-1 scholars should contact their UT international advisor with questions about applying for an extension. If the University of Tennessee issued the student’s DS-2019, then the student should complete and submit the Extension of Program Advisor Form to CGE along with proof of financial support for the extension period. If UT did not issue the DS-2019, the student should contact the organization who issued the DS-2019 for more information about extending their stay.
DS-2019 Application Process for J-2 Dependents
In order to become a J-1 scholar or intern at the University of Tennessee, a scholar must be hosted by a UT department. The host department will be responsible for submitting a J-1 scholar request to ISSS. After reviewing and approving the forms and required documents, CGE will issue a DS-2019 for the scholar to apply for a J-1 visa.
Scholars will find useful information in the International Scholar’s Handbook, which includes the following information:
- Visa application process
- SEVIS fee
- Immigration-related topics
- General information about life in Knoxville and UT
- Checklists to guide you before and after you arrive in Knoxville
Program Extensions for J-1:
J-1 scholars should contact their UT international advisor with questions about applying for an extension. If the University of Tennessee issued the student’s DS-2019, then the student should complete and submit the Extension of Program Advisor Form to CGE along with proof of financial support for the extension period. If UT did not issue the DS-2019, the student should contact the organization who issued the DS-2019 for more information about extending their stay.
DS-2019 Application Process for J-2 Dependents
The spouse and children (under age 21) of a J-1 student may hold dependent status and accompany the student in the United States during the student’s academic program.
Each dependent receives a separate I-20/DS-2019, and must apply in person for an J-2 visa to come to the US. Dependents are eligible to stay in the United States in J-2 dependent status as long as the student maintains legal J-1 status.
J-1 students should contact their international student advisor for instructions on adding a J-2 dependent.