J - 1 Visa Classification

Additional Information & Forms for Sponsorships

Exchange Visitor Program Affidavit & Agreement Family Accompanying

 

The J-1 is an exchange visitor classification designed for the purpose of exchanging  ideas, knowledge and culture between the U.S. and other countries.  The intent of this classification is for individuals to enter the U.S. for a specific and limited period of time, attain knowledge, hone skills and return to their home country to share the knowledge and experience gained in the U.S.

 

UAMS has a J-1 program for research, consultation and/or observation only.  If you are interested in J-1 sponsorship, please be advised there are several requirements and commitments for sponsors.  Please read the DS-Primary and Affidavit and Agreement documents, as well as the information referenced below carefully, before taking on the responsibility of J-1 sponsorship. 

 

Program suitability requirement

 

All sponsors, are required to determine 1) the suitability of their program for prospective participants; and 2) that participants have sufficient proficiency in the English language to participate in their programs.

 

Insurance requirement

The exchange visitor must have proof that insurance is in effect that covers himself/herself and his/her dependents for sickness or accident during the period of participation in the program.  The minimum level of coverage is $50,000 per illness or accident, and a deductible not to exceed $500 per illness or accident.  If the alien will be on the UAMS payroll, he will be eligible for this coverage, but must sign up for it within 31 days of arrival.  The Office of Human Resources covers all J-1s and their dependents, free of charge, for repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500, and expenses associated with the medical evacuation to the home country in the amount of $10,000.

 

Pre-arrival information

 

Sponsors must provide the following pre-arrival information:

The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program

Home-country physical presence requirement

Travel and entry into the United States

Ot                     Other Costs that the exchange visitor will likely incur (e.g., living expenses) while in

                            the United States

Health care and insurance

               Additional information which will assist exchange visitors to prepare for their stay in the United States

 

**Should you decide to sponsor someone in the UAMS exchange visitor program, you will be provided an Exchange Visitor brochure     and the UAMS Orientation booklet, which should be sent to your participant along with the prepared DS-2019.

 

Orientation requirement

 

Program regulations require sponsors to offer appropriate orientation for all exchange visitors and their immediate family. Orientation includes, but is not limited to, the following information:

Life and customs in the United States

                        Local community resources (e.g., public transportation, medical centers, schools, libraries, recreation centers and banks), to     

                             the extent possible

Available health care, emergency assistance, and insurance coverage

A description of the program in which the exchange visitor is participating

                        Rules that the exchange visitors are required to follow under the sponsor's program

 

General requirement

Sponsors are required to monitor their participants' welfare and progress to the extent appropriate for the category, and ensure that their activities are consistent with the category indicated on the Form DS-2019. Sponsors are also to require that all exchange visitors keep them apprised of their current addresses and phone numbers of their participants and to maintain this information.

Sponsors are required to provide all participants with emergency contact information.

 

 

Please complete all applicable forms below fully and return to Tiffany Edwards for processing of the DS-2019.