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. Scholars on a J visa can be sponsored by a U.S. organization like Institute of International Education (IIE) or by Kutztown University. 

Exchange Visitor Categories and Differences

	J-1 Visa (Research Scholar or Professor)	J-1 Visa (Short-term Scholar)
Appropriate Activities	Collaborative research, teaching, consultation, cultural exchange, observation, demonstration of special skills
Length	Minimum: 3 weeks Maximum: 5 years	No minimum Maximum of 6 months
Compensation Options	May receive a salary or other type of payment, or may be self-funded
Health Insurance Requirements	Mandatory, policy requirements set by federal regulation
Social Security Number Eligibility	Eligible
Fees for Visitor	$220 SEVIS fee + embassy appointment fees
International Office Role	If Kutztown University is sponsoring the J Visa a complete application must be submitted. If applicable, the International Office will prepare visa paperwork within 5 business days.
Impact on Future US Travel	Subject to 24 month bar on repeat participation; may be subject to 2-year home residency requirement	May be subject to 2-year home residency requirement
Spousal benefits	Spouse on J-2 visa is eligible to apply for work authorization	Spouse on J-2 visa is eligible to apply for work authorization
Restrictions	Visitor cannot have held J-1 Research Scholar or Professor status within past 24 months (unless transferring active record), cannot have held any J status other than Short-Term Scholar in past 12 months	None

Professors and Research Scholars

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 Federal Regulation section. 

• 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.

Short-Term Scholars

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.

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

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

• Submit the 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, financial sponsorship letters, employment letter or contract indicating salary or stipend, and loan certificates or letters which when totaled, confirm the availability of a minimum of $6,000 per semester, with an additional $1,750 for a spouse dependent, and an additional $1,000 per child dependent. 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 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 the 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. 

Scholars may consider using the Visa Waiver Program or a B-1 or B-2 visa for their intended visit. The main purpose of the visit must match the intended visa category. A B-2 visa cannot be used for business purposes.  However, there are some activities that may be permitted such as non-credit program participation. Visitors can also apply for a combined B-1/B-2 visa. 

	B-1 Visa (Business) or Visa Waiver Program	B-2 Visa (Tourism)
Appropriate Activities	Conference attendance, meeting to formalize agreements, independent research (no benefit to Kutztown), observation (with no participation)	Visit with friends or relatives, Enrollment in a short non-credit course/program, Participation in social events or non-paid amateur participation in musical, sports, or contests
Length	Generally 6 months for B-1 and 90 days for Visa Waiver; Officer at the Port of Entry has discretion to reduce length.	Generally up to 6 months or longer; Officer at the Port of Entry has discretion to reduce length.
Compensation Options	May receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses related to activities. May receive honorarium ONLY IF the visit at Kutztown is 9 days or less.	Not Eligible
Health Insurance Requirements	None, though travel insurance is highly recommended	None, though travel insurance is highly recommended
Social Security Number Eligibility	Not Eligible
Fees for Visitor	Embassy appointment fees for B-1 visa or ESTA fee for Visa Waiver	Embassy appointment fees for B-2 visa or ESTA fee for Visa Waiver
International Office Role	Recommended (not required) to complete the Visiting Scholar Information Form. The host department provides invitation letter	For non-credit programs: International Office provides invitation letter. For all other activities: No International Office involvement. The host department provides invitation letter
Impact on Future US Travel	None
Spousal benefits	There are no dependent visa options
Restrictions	None, but visitor must be sure to obtain B-1 (business) visa, not B-2 (tourist) visa	Visitor is restricted from conducting business or scholar activities unless they obtain a combined B-1/B-2 visa

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 at least 3 weeks in advance, and keep the International Office and Faculty Sponsor updated if the information changes. Once transportation is confirmed, you will receive confirmed 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. 

International health insurance is highly encouraged for all international visiting scholars. However, 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: Most health insurance plans in the U.S. do not cover all medical benefits like prescriptions, dental, and vision.

Insurance Requirements for J visa holders: 

• 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

​Health Insurance Plans

ISO Insurance 

This orientation is required for J visa holders sponsored by Kutztown University, is it required that you meet with the International Office upon your arrival to the U.S. While not required for other scholars, a meeting may be encouraged to help support your transition or help answer basic questions about the campus or Kutztown, PA. 

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