The University of New Haven is happy to sponsor J-1 students and scholars in the following Exchange Visitor categories for which we are designated by the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program. The J-1 exchange visitor receives a DS-2019 document instead of the I-20 used for the F-1 visa.

Professor and Research Scholar – Scholars come under the invitation of one of the academic departments to collaborate on a research project. They may also teach if requested by the academic department.  The invitation letter will specify the agreement between the scholar and the academic department as to the parameters of the program. Most J-1 scholars are funded by their home institution and/or government and are not remunerated by the University of New Haven.

Short Term Scholar – Similarly, short-term scholars come under the invitation of one of the University academic departments, but for a short time of less than 6 months to lecture, observe, consult or train. The invitation letter will specify the agreement between the scholar and the academic department as to the parameters of the program and if there will be any form of remuneration.

J-1 Students come to the University of New Haven in the following categories:

Exchange students attending the University of New Haven based on a reciprocal exchange agreement with their home university. They enroll in a fulltime courseload, usually for one semester, and their credits can be transferred back to their home university according to the memorandum of understanding between the universities.

Students funded by their government or by the Fulbright Institution like other international students enroll full-time in their academic programs. The only distinction by which they are granted the J-1 visa and not an F-1 visa is because of the government-related funding. If funded by the Fulbright institution, the student receives the DS-2019 from Fulbright.

Fulbright Language Training Assistants (FLTAs) are funded by the Fulbright Institution but enroll part-time while also working as assistants to the Modern Languages department for one academic year. The University of New Haven often receives FLTAs with language skills in Russian or Arabic. The FLTA receives the DS-2019 from Fulbright.

Student Interns work and learn exclusively for their program sponsors according to their contracted Training Internship Plan. The College of Business Sports Management program collaborates with a Canadian partner university to facilitate cross-border internship opportunities. For Canadian students performing internships at U.S. sports organizations (eg. the NHL), the University of New Haven provides the DS-2019 for a J-1 visa in the Student Intern category.

Please know that all J-1 Exchange Visitors have rights and protections under U.S. Laws. Read this information in English or another language at Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers (state.gov). If you ever need assistance, do not hesitate to contact University Immigration Services at 203-932-7475 or email uis@newhaven.edu.  In an emergency, you can also contact The U.S. Exchange Visitor Program at 1-866-283-9090.

Academic training is the name the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program uses for practical experience related to a student’s field of study. Academic training is available either while the student is enrolled in school or after program completion as long as the student maintains valid J-1 status. Academic training must be authorized by the UIS prior to the program end date on the DS-2019. Consult the UIS if you have questions regarding academic training.

J-1 scholars can be paid for participating in their program without needing special authorization, if their invitation agreement included remuneration. J-1 exchange visitors in the student intern category may receive compensation in various forms such as housing or stipends as part of the training internship plan.

J-1 students and scholars at the University of New Haven have SEVIS records and are responsible for maintaining their visa status during the course of their program as detailed by their DS-2019. The UIS is here to provide resources and assistance to ensure students and scholars remain in good, lawful standing with the U.S. Government.

Listed below are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you remain valid during your stay.

1. Keep the UIS up to date with your local address and telephone number. Exchange Visitors must report any changes in their residential address, phone number and email address within 10 days by submitting the Personal Information Update Form. UIS will update the SEVIS record.
2. J-1 students must be enrolled in a full-time course of study. For undergraduates this means at least 12 credit hours and for graduate students this means at least 9 credit hours. This minimum number of FT credit hours does not apply to FLTAs or Student Interns.
3. Be aware of the program end date listed on your DS-2019 and make sure to take the appropriate steps if you must remain in the country past that date. In the event that you need to extend your program, you need to apply for a program extension before your current DS-2019 expires. Use the Extension Request Form.
4. Do not accept employment on or off campus without consulting the UIS first.
5. Make sure to comply with the health insurance regulations as stipulated by the U.S. Department of State. It is mandatory for J-1 students and scholars and their J-2 dependents to maintain the required health insurance throughout their stay in the U.S. The University student health plan meets the requirements and is available to J-1 students, but is not available to scholars or dependents. The required amounts are:

• Medical Benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of Remains in the amount of $25,000
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

6. Keep your passport valid for at least six months into the future at all times.

SEVIS Transfers for J-1 Exchange Visitors

Should you wish to transfer to a different school please consult the UIS to ensure you are eligible to transfer. Transfer may or may not be possible depending on the parameters of the J-1 program. If you are eligible to transfer your SEVIS record, UIS will assist so that the proper documentation can be sent to your new school.

Travel on the J-1 Visa

J-1 students or scholars planning to travel outside of the U.S. must carry the following documentation in order to depart and re-enter the U.S.:

1. Current DS-2019 with the RO/ARO’s signature in the travel block

The travel signature must be issued within 1 year from the travel re-entry date. Students or scholars requiring a signature must contact the UIS 2 weeks prior to traveling.

2. Unexpired passport

The passport must be valid for at least six more months upon return to the U.S.

3. Unexpired visa

In order to re-enter the U.S., the J-1 visa must be valid. If it is expired, the student must renew their visa prior to reentry.

4. I-901 Receipt of SEVIS fee payment

The receipt can be obtained at https://www.fmjfee.com/

Cultural Activities

The U.S. Exchange Visitor Program hopes J-1 exchange visitors will have opportunities to experience the U.S. culture. The UIS encourages students and scholars to participate in cultural programming, athletic events, theatre, music and performing arts, lectures, and other activities offered on-campus. Because the University of New Haven is located along the northeastern corridor, students and scholars can easily access many opportunities to experience American culture in iconic cities like New York, historic colonial areas in Boston and Philadelphia, as well as scenic New England.