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Pre-Arrival Information
1. Purpose and Program Activities
The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program is to provide foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States and return home to share those experiences. At WVU, we encourage our exchange visitors to engage in educational and cultural experiences in the United States. By participating in the Program, exchange visitors at WVU will have the opportunity to learn, research, and teach alongside their American peers. Additionally, exchange visitors at WVU will be invited to participate in cultural experiences such as American sporting events, holiday celebrations, and scenic excursions.
2. Travel to and Entry into the United States
WVU does not provide transport from ports of entry to campus. You are responsible for arranging travel to and from WVU. Please visit the Travel to WVU webpage for helpful information.
3. Costs to Consider
WVU does not currently charge fees to incoming scholars.
4. Maintaining J-1 Status
J-1 scholars must inform their advisor in ISSS if they plan to leave WVU before the expiration date of their DS-2019 form as well as the reason for doing so.
J-1 scholars may conduct research or teach only at WVU unless specifically authorized ahead of time by ISSS to give a lecture or consult at another institution. Scholars must contact their advisor if invited to speak or consult at another institution.
J-1 scholars must apply for an extension before their DS-2019 form expires if they intend to stay at WVU. Scholars in the Research Scholar or Professor categories currently have a maximum of five years to complete their J-1 program.
J-1 scholars must depart the U.S. within 30 days of DS-2019 expiration date or program end date, whichever is earlier, unless they have applied for a change of status with the USCIS.
5. The Two-Year Home Residence Requirement
a. Some exchange visitors are subject to the Two-Year Home Residence Requirement found in Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
b. If you belong in one of the following categories, you may be subject to this requirement at the end of your J-1 program.
-i. Medical doctor sponsored by Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
-ii. You come from a country on the Department of State’s skill list.
-i ii. You received funding from your home government or from the U.S. government through agencies, such as Fulbright
c. To learn more about the 212(e) Two-Year Home Residence Requirement, please visit the Department of State website.
6. Other Relevant Information
isss-students@mail.wvu.edu
101 Purinton House
1505 University Ave
Morgantown, WV 26506 304-293-3519