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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
3. Costs to Consider
4. Maintaining J-1 Status
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