J-1 Scholars & Exchange Visitor Information

To begin processing your DS-2019, please follow the steps suggested below:

I. Provide the following supporting documents (completed by the sponsoring department)

1. Invitation letter, which must be on your department’s letterhead, addressed to the prospective scholar/student from the inviting department, that includes
   1. the description of the program, research, work, teaching or field of study;
   2. the description of costs likely to be incurred by the visitor in the U.S. (i.e., Housing, transportation, health insurance, etc.);
   3. program start and end dates;
   4. If TAMUCC hiring dept./college financially sponsors or pays the visitor, the following information MUST be confirmed in the letter:
      A.The total amount and source of funding;
      B. Name and contact information of the exchange visitor’s supervisor;
      C. Exchange visitor’s employment is directly related to the objectives of the exchange visitor program;
      D. Exchange visitor’s employment is incidental to the primary program activities.

2. Letter of Offer from HR, which MUST include the following:
      a) Exchange visitor’s hours and salary;
      b) Exchange visitor’s benefits;
      c) Exchange visitor’s start and end dates of employment;
      d) Exchange visitor’s Job responsibilities;
      e) Exchange visitor’s Detailed address of the employment site.

3. Complete and submit the following forms:
   • TAMU-CC Visual Compliance Form
   • TAMU-CC International Visitor Form
   • I-29 & J-1 Export Control Form
4. Proof of English Proficiency (Effective on January 5, 2015, a J-1 applicant MUST submit the “Objective Measurement of English Language Proficiency” according to the New U.S. Federal Rules and Regulations. In order to meet this new requirement, a J-1 applicant MUST submit one of the following proofs of English Language Proficiency:
   • A recognized English Language Test (i.e. TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
   • Signed documentation from an Academic Institution or English Language School
   • A documented interview conducted by the sponsor either in-person or by video-conference, or by telephone if video-conference is not a viable option.
5. Non-Refundable Processing fee of $545 plus additional $100 for each dependent (Can be paid by either sponsoring department or J-1 scholar/student)
   • All payment methods are accepted. Payment is due when your DS-2019 is issued.
     • If paying by credit card, you need to submit a credit card authorization form. This form can be found by clicking the link:
       • Credit Card Authorization Form
     • Make checks and money orders payable to:
       • Texas International Education Consortium.

II. Download and complete the required forms listed below (completed by J-1 Scholars or J-1 Students)

1. J-1 Exchange Visitor Information Sheet
2. Orientation and Emergency Contact Form
3. Health Insurance Statement Form
4. J-1 Arrival Verification Form
5. Most current Resume / CV
6. A copy of applicant’s passport identification page (page of passport with photograph, date of birth, etc.); Also include copies of dependents’ passport identification page, if applicable
7. Proof of Current Funding / Financial Support (i.e., An official letter or financial document from an applicant’s sponsor or a bank. The minimum amount of funding must total $1,800.00 per month for the J-1 student, plus an additional $500.00 per month for each dependent)
8. Proof of Health Insurance (All J-1 and J-2 visa holders must maintain medical, evacuation, and repatriation insurance coverage as indicated below):
   
   • Medical benefits of at least US $100,000.00 per person, per accident or illness;
   • Expenses associated with medical evacuation in the amount of US $50,000.00;
   • Repatriation of remains in the amount of US $25,000.00;
   • Maximum deductible per accident or illness of US $500.00.

III. If a J-1 scholar or student will transfer to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, he/she must submit the following documents IN ADDITION to the required documents listed above

1. Copies of ALL Previous & Current DS-2019's (if applicable)
2. Copy of most current I-94 (if currently residing in the U.S.)
3. Copy of most current Visa
4. Include copies of Dependent’s I-20, I-797, I-94, etc. and Visa (if applicable)
5. Complete the J-1 Exchange Visitor Transfer-In Form

IV. If a J-1 scholar or student will transfer from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to some other university he/she must submit the following documents IN ADDITION to the required documents listed above

1. Copies of ALL Previous & Current DS-2019's (if applicable)
2. Copy of most current I-94 (if currently residing in the U.S.)
3. Copy of most current Visa
4. Include copies of Dependent’s I-20, I-797, I-94, etc. and Visa (if applicable)
5. Complete the J-1 Exchange Visitor Transfer-Out Form

1. Copy of most current 1-20, 1-797, or DS-2019, etc.
2. Copy of most current I-94
3. Copy of most current Visa
4. Include copies of Dependent’s I-20, I-797, DS-2019, I-94, etc. and Visa (if applicable

1. Form DS-7002

VII. FINAL STEP: Submit the entire COMPLETE PACKAGE directly to The OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION at TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-CORPUS CHRISTI with the mailing address as: 

Once you are issued the DS-2019 and J-Visa it is extremely important to maintain your non-immigrant status while residing in the U.S.

Please note the important information for the specifics regarding maintaining Visa status and contact the Office of International Education at Texas A&M Corpus Christi should you have any questions (international@tamucc.edu; 361-825-3346).