Scholars

Inviting international exchange visitor as a short term scholar, researcher, or professor

 

The J exchange visitor visa process is quite extensive as the purpose of the program is “to foster the exchange of ideas between Americans and foreign nationals and to stimulate international collaborative teaching, lecturing and research efforts. The exchange of professors and research scholars promotes the exchange of ideas, research, mutual enrichment, and linkages between research and educational institutions in the United States and foreign countries. It does so by providing foreign professors and research scholars the opportunity to engage in research, teaching and lecturing with their American colleagues, to participate actively in cross-cultural activities with Americans, and ultimately to share with their countrymen their experiences and increased knowledge of the United States and their substantive fields.” 22 CFR 62.20(b)

 

The hosting department and department designated counterpart are responsible for the following arrangements. Please have a plan in place as you make the decision to invite the scholar:

1.        Since the J visa is a cultural exchange program, the department is responsible for providing and including the J-1 Exchange Visitor in cultural activities.  UWW reports these activities to the US Department of State to justify our visiting J-1 Exchange Visitor program.   These activities can include: introducing the J-1 Exchange Visitor  to the UW system of education through visiting classroom, giving presentations in classes, taking part in departmental activities – departmental meetings, outreach programs, etc.  In addition, this could include picnics, farmers markets, fine arts performances, visiting US institutions and facilities, etc.

2.        Airport pick up, transportation, settling-in, and move in assistance for the first few days.  Return transportation at the end of the J-1 exchange visitor visit after the completion of program.

3.        Assist the J-1 Exchange Visitor and dependents in arranging accommodations and obtaining furnishings for their accommodations.

4.        Provide orientation to UW-Whitewater campus, the Whitewater community, and your department.

5.        Make official introduction(s) at departmental meetings and invite the J-1 Exchange Visitor to attend departmental meetings and activities.

6.        Assist J-1 Exchange Visitor in obtaining a Hawkcard Card.

7.        Assist J-1 Exchange Visitor in setting up UWW email account.

8.        Assist J-1 Exchange Visitor in setting up a US bank account.

9.        Assist and arrange transportation for the J-1 Exchange Visitor to obtain social security number, if necessary.

10.     Ensure that the J-1 Exchange Visitor completes all necessary university requirements, for example, a background check if required.

11.    Send ISSS the physical address of where the J-1 Exchange Visitor will be living in the United States and every physical address change so ISSS can report to the U.S. Department of State.

12.    Schedule a one-hour Immigration Orientation & Health Insurance meeting for the J-1 Exchange Visitor.

13.    Report any violations of the exchange visitor’s appointment to International Student and Scholar Services.

 

If your department is interested in hosting an exchange visitor, please contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services at international@uww.edu