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

i. To begin working and getting paid, you will need to complete the following steps in order: 1. Complete your J-1 Orientation with WVU’s International Students & Scholar’s Services (ISSS) at 1505 University Avenue. Please email isss-scholars@mail.wvu.edu to set up this appointment. 2. Apply for a Social Security Card (if you do not already have a U.S. Social Security Card) with the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). You must have a Social Security Number (SSN) to work in the U.S.

- a. You will need to bring original copies of all of your immigration and employment documents: Form DS-2019, I-94, employment offer letter, passport, and visa. You will also need to have a completed Form SS-5 with your current, accurate address included prior to arriving to your appointment. Do not schedule an appointment or show up without all of your required documents ready and in hand as this will only cause further delays and your appointment with the SSA will be cancelled and need to be rescheduled. The Social Security Administration Office will process your application and provide you with an application letter/receipt. More information can be found here: Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens

- b. The Social Security Administration’s phone number to make an appointment is 1-866-770-2055 and their address in Morgantown is 3596 Collins Ferry Road, Morgantown, WV 26505.

- c. Due to COVID-19, you must make an appointment in advance with the local SSA office. Once you have all of your required documents, please schedule your appointment as soon as possible to avoid further delays. Appointments are limited to certain day(s) throughout the week based on availability of their staff. Appointments are available only two weeks after entering the country, and only if the individual is not displaying symptoms of COVID-19. According to the SSA office, the two-week wait to make an appointment applies to everyone entering the U.S. regardless if you have been vaccinated prior to arrival. The SSA office in Morgantown has recommended not to travel to other offices in order to expedite the process and to wait for an appointment to be made in Morgantown.

3. Open a U.S. bank account. You must have a U.S. bank account in order to be paid by WVU.

4. Begin Payroll Processing for WVU. You can contact Tax Services by email at ForeignNationalProcessing@mail.wvu.edu to begin processing for payroll. You may not begin working until you have completed payroll processing. You will not receive your WVU email address, log in information, or photo ID until you have fully processed for payroll.

International Student & Scholar Services

isss-students@mail.wvu.edu
101 Purinton House
1505 University Ave
Morgantown, WV 26506

304-293-3519

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Pre-Arrival Information

1. Purpose and Program Activities

2. Travel to and Entry into the United States

a. SEVIS Fees

b. Obtaining Visa

c. Interview Documentation

d. Travel Arrangements

e. Expectations at Port of Entry

3. Costs to Consider

a. Housing

b. Healthcare and Insurance

c. Fees

4. Maintaining J-1 Status

a. Arrival Notifications

b. Report Address Changes to ISSS

c. Report Departure Date and Reason to ISSS

d. Report Changes in Program to ISSS

e. Abide by Employment Regulations

f. Maintain Adequate Health Insurance

g. Apply for an Extension Prior to the DS-2019 Expiration

h. Receive Transfer Authorization Prior to Leaving WVU

i. Depart the United States within 30 day Grace Period

j. Obtain Travel Signature Prior to Departing the United States

5. The Two-Year Home Residence Requirement

6. Other Relevant Information

a. Social Security Procedures

b. Opening a Bank Account

c. Driver’s License Procedures

d. Employee Rights and Laws

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