International J-1 Scholars
North Carolina A&T State University has a diverse academic environment with J-1 Scholars coming from every part of the world and representing an important research component of the University. This section provides information for/about prospective and current international J-1 Scholars.
What is a J-1 Scholar?
A J-1 Scholar is a visiting researcher, professor, or specialist from a country outside of the United States who has been approved to enter the United States for a specific purpose and for a limited amount of time. If you are interested in hosting a J-1 international scholar in your department for the purpose of research and/or teaching it will make you a participant in the United States Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program.
Programs:
College and University Student
Fulbright Scholar-In-Residence Program (S-I-R)
Hosting an International Scholar
The J Exchange Visitor category was developed to implement the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (Fulbright-Hayes Act) of 1961. The overall purpose of that Act, and the objective of the Exchange Visitor category, is "to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges."
The Office of International Affairs is here to help you through the process of inviting and hosting a J-1 Scholar.
We ask that you make your request for DS-2019 at least three (3) months in advance of the expected program start date of the J-1 Scholar. This allows time for the scholar to receive the DS-2019 and obtain a J-1 Visa in a timely manner.
OIA should be consulted before making a commitment to host or hire a foreign national. OIA will work with the department, as well as the individual, to select the appropriate Exchange Visitor category and ensure that all federal laws and regulations are met before the foreign national arrives.
Initiating a Request for an International Scholar or Faculty
To initiate a request for a J-1 Exchange Visitor, please click here to obtain the requirements and application to begin the process. Please remember, that the Exchange Visitor Program at NCA&T SU is not simply a means of employing foreign nationals, but is intended to further the educational and research interests of the University and the visitor. Researchers who wish to study or enroll in courses full-time should consult an advisor at OIA about a more appropriate nonimmigrant status.
Host Department Responsibilities
As a host department, you have certain responsibilities to ensure that your invited scholar is successful as a J-1 Exchange Visitor. Here are some important items to consider:
Determine Position and Visa Type
What type of position will the person have at N.C. A&T? The type of activity the visitor is involved in while in the U.S. helps to determine the most appropriate visa category.
Determine funding type
J-1 Scholars may provide the following type of funding for their visit to N.C. A&T:
- Payment from N.C. A&T (salary, wage payroll, etc.). The amount and duration should be stated in the request for the DS2019 application.
- Home Government Funding
- U.S. Government Agency Funding
- International Organization or Other Organizations
- Personal (Bank Statement)
Housing
The department should assist the scholar in finding housing upon their arrival.
INVITING FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES
By extending an invitation to a visiting scholar, the faculty member agrees to the following:
- Notify the scholar of the English proficiency requirement
- Notify the scholar of the medical insurance requirement
- Aid the scholar for any needs regarding arrival, including housing
- Be present on campus for at least 75% of the scholar's visit
- Ensure the scholar checks in with the department's administrator immediately upon arrival
- Meet with the scholar at the start of the program to discuss research strategy and goals
- Be an ad hoc adviser if the scholar is currently a degree-seeking candidate in their home country
- Have a general idea of the scholar's whereabouts (e.g., out for illness, out for vacation)
- Report as soon as possible any unexplained, extended absences to The Office of International Affairs
- Obtain prior approval from The Office of International Affairs before any changes occur in the scholar's program (e.g., finances, end date, duties)
- Contact the Office of International Affairs and Human Resources if the scholar is not performing at previously agreed-upon expectations
For additional questions regarding the J-1 Visa, please contact Esther Song, International Student and Scholar Coordinator
For additional questions regarding the Fulbright S-I-R Program, please contact Kimberly Tyson, Director of the Office of International Affairs
