International Visiting Research Scholar Program

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) supports academic departments in hosting and welcoming experienced scholars from around the world as visiting scholars. Prospective professors and researchers must be invited by an academic department or college, who will serve as your host. Visiting scholars (also known as Exchange Visitors) are participants in BridgeUSA, a program regulated and operated by the U.S. Department of State. A variety of regulations must be followed by Sacramento State, the Exchange Visitor, and their dependents to participate in the program. This page described the policies and procedures for requesting J-1 status as a visiting scholar at Sacramento State.

Procedures and Forms

Prospective faculty hosts and Exchange Visitors should read the following documents for detailed information about the program:

Procedures for Hosting International Research Scholars

EV1 Form (To be completed by faculty host and academic department)

EV2 Form (To be completed by EV)

Documents to be Submitted to Faculty Host:

1. EV2 Form
2. An official letter of support for the Exchange Visitor from his/her home institution
3. Exchange Visitor's Curriculum Vitae
4. Photocopy of Exchange Visitor's diploma or academic degree certificate
5. An official copy of the final transcript to accompany the degree certificate
6. Photocopy of photo/bio page of Exchange Visitor's passport
7. Photocopy of photo/bio page for spouse or children who will accompany Exchange Visitor
8. Evidence of funding to support Exchange Visitor's visit. The documentation must meet the minimum requirements (see Part V of form EV2)
9. Evidence of English proficiency determined using an objective measurement of English language proficiency. English proficiency documentation must be available for inspection by Department of State upon demand. Regulations state "The exchange visitor (must possess) sufficient proficiency in the English language, as determined by an objective measurement of English language proficiency, successfully to participate in his or her program and to function on a day-to-day basis." 22 CFR 62.10(a)(2) [20]. Sacramento State requires that prospective visiting scholars provide scores from a recognized English language test as proof of English proficiency. The minimum scores required are outlined below. Prospective J-Scholars unable to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or TOEIC score may utilize J-Check Testing Services. Sacramento State will receive an official report within 24 hours of testing. The English language requirement may be waived if the applicant is a native of or studied in full time status for at least one academic year within the last five years in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or English-medium universities in Canada or South Africa. Evidence such as transcripts or degree(s) associated with these studies must accompany this request in order to be considered for the waiver.

• TOEFL: 80 iBT
• IELTS: 7.0 Band Score
• PTE: Academic Score 65
• TOEIC: 800
• J-Check: 3.8

Once ISSS receives these forms and supporting documents from the hosting department they will be reviewed. If eligible, the scholar will be issued an invitation letter and form DS-2019 (“Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status”) that will allow the Exchange Visitor to apply for a visa at the US Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

Additional Resources

BridgeUSA J-1 Research Scholars Information

BridgeUSA J-1 Short-Term Scholars Information

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact:

Alex Shigenaga, Coordinator of International Student and Scholar Services
(916) 278-7470
alex.shigenaga@csus.edu