J-1 Exchange Visitor

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is an excellent way for departments to invite international scholars to come to Texas State to teach, conduct research or study. The purpose of this program is "to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of education and cultural exchanges."

To invite an international scholar the sponsoring individual or department must first secure an appointment through Faculty and Academic Resources (FAR). The sponsoring individual or department is responsible for providing campus privileges and off-campus resources. This should be taken into consideration when inviting someone from abroad. Examples include:

• An office space on campus
• Use of the campus library
• Access to a computer lab
• Parking permit
• Finding or securing housing
• Providing transportation from the airport and to campus.

Reference: AA/PPS No. 40.01.20 (7.22) Faculty Responsibilities, Definitions, and Titles

04.06 Visiting Scholar – Appointment is reserved for individuals visiting from an outside institution or organization and sponsored by a faculty host. The appointment of a visiting scholar must be well defined as to the purpose, the length of the appointment, and the benefit to Texas State. A visiting scholar must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree; be financially supported by an outside source; and have proof of medical insurance. If the visiting scholar is a foreign national, the proper visa is required. The faculty host must request prior written approval for the appointment of a visiting scholar from the school director or department chair, dean, and the associate provost, and as relevant, seek guidance from the staff in International Student and Scholar Services on immigration related matters.

Requests are made no fewer than 30 days prior to arrival on campus using the Request for Approval of Visiting Scholar form. Federal Export Control regulations will be followed when hiring foreign nationals as visiting scholars. This title cannot be used for faculty who otherwise qualify for a visiting or research faculty appointment.

After the appointment has been approved by FAR, the sponsoring individual or department should submit J-1 documents using the Request for J-1 Exchange Visitor Form DS-2019.

Sponsoring individuals or departments can contact International Student and Scholar Services (internationalscholars@txstate.edu) for questions related to the J-1 process or other immigration concerns. 

The US Department of State has authorized Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC) to administer Exchange Visitor Program at Texas State University. The Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the J-1 exchange visitors attending or working at Texas State University are located at TIEC in Austin. The RO and ARO are the only individuals who have signing authority for the program and the Form DS-2019.

TIEC charges a fee of $545 to provide this service. This is a one-time fee and may be paid by the sponsoring individual, department, or scholar. TIEC, who is a vendor in SAP, will forward an invoice to the sponsoring department or they can bill the scholar who may pay by check, money order, or credit card.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) acts as an intermediary between the sponsor and TIEC to facilitate the immigration process. ISSS also assists the sponsor with meeting J-1 program requirements such as providing an orientation and cultural activities for the scholar.