Visiting Scholar Services

J-1 Visa: A J-1 Scholar is a visiting researcher, professor, or specialist approved to enter the United States for a specific purpose and duration through the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Administered by the U.S. Department of State, this program fosters international educational exchange, emphasizing collaborative teaching and research. Kutztown University can sponsor J-1 visas and J-2 dependents. 

Exchange Visitor Categories and Time Limitations

Professors and Research Scholars [22 CFR § 62.4(e) & (f)]

Professor and research scholar are two separate J-1 exchange visitor categories, but because they are related, the regulations governing them are contained in the same subsection.

• A J-1 “Professor” is defined as an individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting. A professor may also conduct research.
• A J-1 “Research Scholar” is defined as an individual primarily conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project. A research scholar may also teach or lecture.

An exchange visitor may participate in the Professor or Research Scholar category for a minimum program of 3 weeks to a maximum program of 5 years. The maximum of 5 years is counted from the program start date in SEVIS (the DS-2019 begin date).

Short-Term Scholars [22 CFR § 62.4(b)] 

A short-term scholar is defined as a professor, research scholar, specialist, or a person with similar education or accomplishments coming to the U.S. on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited educational institutions, or similar types of institution. Examples include educators, scientists, research fellows, writers, and museum administrators. The short-term scholar may also engage in collaborative research.

The short-term scholar category is not subject to the three-week minimum length of program requirement. It is therefore an ideal category for programs and visits of short-term duration lasting anywhere from one day to a maximum of six months. A short-term scholar may extend his/her stay up to the six-month maximum or transfer to another J-1 program within that period, but extensions beyond 6 months are not permitted. The maximum of 6 months is counted from the start date on the Form DS-2019.

Steps to Apply for a J-1 visa through Kutztown University:

Step 1: Submit Required Documents to international@kutztown.edu

• Submit the J-1 Visiting Scholar Information Form
• Submit a copy of your passport (the picture and information page)
• Submit Financial supporting documents: Bank statements, balance certificates issued by a financial institution, and letters from financial institutions confirming the availability of funds. We will also accept financial sponsorship letters, employment letter or contract indicating salary or stipend, and loan certificates or letters. All documents must not be older than 6 months, they must be on official letterhead and include the full name of the scholar, and they must include the amount of the funds and in what currency. 

Step 2: Review your DS-2019 Form(s)

The International Office will issue a DS-2019 form(s). Review the enclosed form to confirm that your information is correct. If there are any errors, email international@kutztown.edu. If not, read page 2, then sign your DS-2019. Any J-2 dependents over 14 years old should sign their DS-2019 themselves. Otherwise, sign on their behalf.

Step 3: Pay your I-901 SEVIS Fee.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) charges a fee of $220 for the J Visa. , which you will find online at www.fmjfee.com. You do not need to pay this fee for your J-2 dependents. I-901 RECEIPT: Print and keep the printed I-901 Payment Confirmation of Payment. Note: Some countries may or may not be required to pay the visa issuance fee. Refer to the information on the U.S. Department of State website to determine whether you are required to pay the visa issuance fee.

Step 4: Schedule Visa Appointment & Prepare for Visa Interview

Note: For Citizens of Canada and Bermuda, no visa or visa application is required. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and keep the receipt. You will present the SEVIS I-901 Payment Confirmation/Receipt at a U.S. Port of Entry, along with your passport, DS-2019, invitation letter, and financial documentation. Dependents must present proof of family ties such as a marriage certificate for a spouse or a long form birth certificate for a child. 

1. Complete Form DS-160. Print the DS-160 confirmation page and your visa application
   fee receipt.
   
2. Schedule an appointment at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy to apply for the J-1 visa. You can look up your local embassy or consulate online. Wait times for visa appointments can differ. The travel.state.gov website allows you to check wait times for your local embassy or consulate online. 

B-2 Visa: A B-2 visa cannot be used for business purposes, only leisure activities.  However, in some instances, a B-1 tourist visa or the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) is the most appropriate visa for your international visitor. A tourist visa may be appropriate when:

• The visitor is working on independent research that will not benefit Kutztown University.
• The visitor is meeting with faculty to discuss future collaboration.
• The visitor is editing or writing manuscripts with faculty.
• The visitor is presenting a guest lecture and/or attending a conference.

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Nearby Airports

We are excited to welcome you to Kutztown University! You can choose a variety of airports for your entry to the U.S.:

For scholars requesting airport pickup, you must provide your flight information and keep our office updated if the information changes. Once transportation is confirmed, we will confirm pickup times, meeting locations, and additional information and instructions. 

For scholars arriving on their own, information will be shared specific to your plans, but may include information about temporary parking, and additional information and instructions. 

All J visa holders are required to carry adequate health insurance during all periods of time they are authorized to be in the U.S.. Healthcare is expensive in the U.S., and international scholars are responsible for any costs associated with their own and their dependents physical or mental health. Note that most health insurance plans in the U.S. do not cover all medical benefits like prescriptions, dental, and vision. Insurance Requirements: 

• Health insurance policies must be purchased through a company that sells insurance in the U.S. 
• Medical Benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of Remains in the amount of at least $25,000
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of at least $50,000
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

Tips for Selecting an Insurance Plan:

• Compare the plans carefully the terminology explained above. A cheaper premium may mean a more expensive deductible. ​
• J visa holders are required to have insurance by immigration regulations.​
• F visa holders who live on campus students are required to have insurance.

​Health Insurance Plans (Optional)

• ISO Insurance 

Important Insurance Terminology:

• Annual/Per Event Maximum: Refers to the maximum amount insurance will pay towards your medical bills that are eligible for coverage. After this limit is reached, you will be responsible for 100% of the remainder of your bills in the specified timeframe.
• Deductible: The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. Example: $1000 bill with a $200 deductible = Means you pay $200 before the insurance plans pays $800.
• Copay: A copayment or copay is a fixed amount for a covered service, paid by a patient to the provider of service before receiving the service.
• Premium: A specified amount of money that the insurer receives in exchange for its promise to provide health insurance to an individual. Basically, the price you pay per month for your health insurance plan.
• In-Network vs Out-of-Network: A provider network is a list of the doctors, health care providers, and hospitals that an insurance plan contracts with to provide medical care to its members. These providers are called “network providers” or “in-network providers.” A provider that isn't contracted with the plan is called an “out-of-network provider.” Out-of-Network providers may not be covered by your insurance plan. 

Upon your arrival to Kutztown University you should schedule an Orientation Meeting with the International Office. This orientation is required for J visa holders sponsored by Kutztown University, and highly recommended for all other scholars. 

Schedule a Meeting: Dr. Christina Kinney (Select the Visiting Scholar Meeting type)

Social Security Numbers (SSN) generally are assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States. They are also used to report your wages to the government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration suggests scholars wait 48 hours after reporting to their school before applying for an SSN.

Follow these instructions to receive a Social Security Number (for Employment):

You will need a social security number to receive pay for your employment. You will use the same social security number for your entire stay in the U.S. You only need to apply for a social security number one time, when you receive your first job offer. If you get a new or different job, you will use the same social security number. There is no fee for the social security application. Allow plenty of time when you plan your trip to the Social Security office, as there may be a long wait time.

Step 1: Gather all documents listed below:

• An Employment Offer Letter should be issued by Kutztown University's Human Resource Office and include all the following information:
  • name of the scholar/employee
  • title and short job description 
  • anticipated or actual employment start date no more than 30 days in the future at the time of application for an SSN;
  • indicate if the position is part time or full time;
  • employer identity number (EIN);
  • academic department contact information, including the telephone number and name of the visiting scholar's immediate supervisor;
  • verification of the employment status (i.e. the scholar has been hired);
  • original signature with signatory’s title and date.
• A letter from the International Office verifying the scholars status
• Passport
• Visa
• Form DS-2019
• Form I-94: Can request an electronic form here: cbp.gov/i94
• Social Security application

Step 2: Schedule an appointment and visit the Social Security Office. You will receive your card in the mail. We recommend that you provide the International Office's address. Most cards arrive about 14 days after approval. You will know at your appointment if you've been approved, or if they need additional documentation. 

Have the Card Mailed to:
[Scholar Name]
International Office - Old Main 24,
15200 Kutztown Road,
Kutztown, PA, USA 19530

Allentown Location: 41 N. 4th Street Allentown, PA 18102
Reading Location: 201 Penn Street, Suite 200 Reading, PA 19601