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Maricopa County Community Colleges is authorized by the U.S. Department of State to host J-1 Exchange Visitors in both the Student and Short-Term Scholar categories. Our J-1 program provides opportunities for international students and scholars to engage in academic study, cultural exchange, and professional enrichment while contributing to the global learning environment on our campuses.
J-1 Students
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program allows international students to study at accredited U.S. colleges and universities, complete internships, or participate in exchange opportunities that support their academic goals. Most students apply for a J-1 visa through an exchange agreement or development plan with their home college, university, employer, or government agency. Upon completing their program, J-1 students are expected to return to their home country to share their knowledge and experiences.
To qualify for J-1 student visa sponsorship, the following requirements must be met:
- Completed or be currently enrolled and pursuing a degree in an accredited post-secondary academic institution outside of the U.S.
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements
- Submit evidence of financial support to cover the expenses for your stay in the U.S. At least 50% of your total financial support must be from a source other than personal or family funds. This financial support may be a scholarship or fellowship from a SPONSOR such as Foreign government, a corporate sponsor or home institution. (Students with only personal or family funding are NOT eligible for a J-1 visa. This will fall under the F-1 visa category)
To qualify for J-1 sponsorship for non-degree study under the student category, the following requirements must be met:
- Be nominated for participation in a non-degree program by your employer or other institutional sponsor which has been approved by Maricopa County Community Colleges
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements
- Submit evidence of financial support to cover the expenses for the exchange visit stay in the U.S. An estimate of costs will be developed by the hosting Maricopa Community College and serve as the basis for the financial guarantee. At least 50% of your total financial support must be from a source other than personal or family funds. This financial support may be a scholarship or fellowship from a sponsor such as Foreign government, a corporate sponsor or home institution. (Students with only personal or family funding are NOT eligible for a J-1 visa. This will fall under the F-1 visa category).
J-1 Scholars
The Exchange Visitor (J-1) Program was established by the U.S. Government to allow scholars from other countries to come to the U.S. to participate in educational and cultural programs. The objective of the Exchange Visitor Program is to increase mutual understanding between the citizens of the U.S. and the Exchange Visitors’ countries. This J category is often used for lectures, observations, consultations, or to participate in seminars, workshops, conferences or professional meetings. Universities, community colleges, and organizations can be recognized by the U.S. Department of State as Exchange Visitor Program Sponsors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we will sign and send your initial DS-2019 electronically by email. Please be prepared to print, sign with ink, and present the paper DS-2019 at your visa appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You will also need to present it at the U.S. port of entry.
Once you obtain the Form DS-2019, you may apply for the J-1 visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
No! If your DS-2019 is lost, damaged, or stolen, you must notify the Responsible Officer (RO) as soon as possible. They will file a report in the SEVIS system and email you a new DS-2019.
Once it is determined which college you will be spending the majority of your time at, you may work with the Responsible Officer (RO) to find suitable housing near the college. There are several factors that should be considered before selecting a place to live. Please work with the RO to determine your next steps.
Yes, your dependents (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) can join you later on J-2 visas. If they applied at the same time you did, they can enter the U.S. at any time during the validity of their DS-2019 forms, even if it's after you have already arrived. However, they do not need to apply for the J-2 visa at the same time you apply for your J-1 visa. They can apply for their J-2 visas and DS-2019 forms when they are ready to come to the U.S.
While J-2 dependent family members may apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to accept employment, it can take 6-8 months to issue the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is an identification card providing you permission to work. Because the maximum duration of the short-term scholar is 6 months, it is unreasonable for the J-2 dependent to apply to work while in the U.S.
Please email [email protected] indicating your request for an appointment and the reason for meeting.
Appointments with the Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) are required for any detailed questions regarding your visa status, home residency requirement, change of status or other out-of-the-ordinary requests, transfers and work permits/academic training.
U.S. Department of State regulations require all J-1 Exchange Visitors to have medical insurance for themselves and any accompanying J-2 family members for the duration of their program. In addition, J-1 Exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents may be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. Willful violation of the insurance requirements can result in termination of your J-1 program by Maricopa Community Colleges, in accordance with immigration regulations. Fulfilling this insurance requirement is essential, not only because of the U.S. Department of State regulations, but because medical treatment in the United States can be very expensive, especially without proper insurance coverage.
It is the J-1 Exchange Visitor’s responsibility to notify MCCCD’s of dependents who are currently in the United States or who arrive later and present evidence of appropriate insurance coverage for them. It is your responsibility to provide proof of continuous insurance coverage to the Responsible Officer at [email protected].