Title: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL CENTER
1UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL CENTERSJ
EXCHANGE VISITORS PROGRAM
- For Professors, Research Scholars
- and Short Term Scholars
2EXCHANGE VISITOR SERVICES(EVS)
http//www.ufic.ufl.edu/evs.html EVS Staff
Lyn Straka EVS Director and Exchange
Coordinator (352) 273-1510 lstraka_at_ufic.ufl.edu
- Michael SmithProgram Assistant
ARO(352)-273-1511msmith_at_ufic.ufl.edu - Scott DavisProgram Assistant
ARO(352)-273-1527sdavis_at_ufic.ufl.edu
- Adam GreenfieldAssistant Director - ARO
- (352) 273-1513
- agreen_at_ufic.ufl.eduMichal KatzEVS Clerk(352)
273-1511mkatz_at_ufic.ufl.edu
University of Florida International Center 190
Hub, Gainesville, FL 32611 352.392.5323
3J-1 PROGRAM FOR PROFESSORS, RESEARCH SCHOLARS,
SHORT-TERM SCHOLARS
- The primary purpose of the J-1 exchange visitor
program under law is to foster an exchange of
ideas between Americans and foreign nationals and
to stimulate international collaborative teaching
and research efforts. The exchange of research
scholars and professors promotes interchange,
mutual enrichment, and linkages between research
and educational institutions in the U.S. and
those of other countries. For more information
on the J Exchange Visitor status please visit
http//travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267
.html - The University of Florida is an official Program
Sponsor designated by the Department of State to
administer J-1 Exchange Visitor programs at UF.
The International Center is charged with the
responsibility to administer these programs. - The EVS section of the International Center has
the responsibility to provide accurate and
complete information, to the extent lawfully
permitted, to the Department of State regarding
their exchange visitor program and exchange
visitors.
4The Three Categories
- The University of Florida sponsors three
categories for research and teaching activities - Professor An individual primarily engaged in
teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting. A
professor may also conduct research. The exchange
visitor cannot be a candidate for a
tenure-accruing position. Program period up to
five years. - Research Scholar An individual primarily
conducting research, observing, or consulting in
connection with a research program. A research
scholar may also teach or lecture. Program period
up to five years. - Short-term Scholar An individual engaged in
conducting research, observing, consulting,
teaching, training, or lecturing for a period of
six months or less.
5National Security Entry-Exit Registration System
(NSEERS)
- Non-immigrants from certain countries, as well as
other individuals whom the Attorney General or
the Department of State (DOS) designate on a
discretionary basis, are registered upon entry to
the United States under "special registration"
procedures, as part of the National Security
Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). Please
refer to the link above for more information on
the NSEERS registration requirements. - An individual who has been registered in NSEERS
at the port of entry upon admission to the United
States must - Provide information requested by the immigration
inspectors, and be fingerprinted and
photographed - Inform Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
within 10 days of any change of address, change
of employer or change of school, on Form AR
-11SR - Depart the United States from an
officially-designated port of departure only, and
report to a DHS officer at such airport prior to
departure, on the day of departure and - Respond to any notice received from DHS that
instructs the individual to report to DHS for an
interview (these notices are sent only on an
individual, case-by-case basis). - Individuals subject to Special Registration
should be given - An I-94 with an FIN (Fingerprint Identification
Number) recorded on it and - A Walk away Materials packet at the POE,
explaining their obligations under Special
Registration, and listing the ports of departure
that must be used when departing the United
States.
6Program Termination, Compliance and Regulation
- Exchange visitors who fail to comply with the J-1
regulations are subject to termination from their
J-1 program. Termination removes the exchange
visitor from a valid nonimmigrant status and
subjects the visitor to deportation regulations.
Termination events can include - Failure to conduct the activities posted on the
DS-2019 - Violation of the regulations of the exchange
visitor program and/or rules of the University of
Florida - Willful failure to maintain the mandatory
exchange visitor and dependent (if applicable)
insurance coverage requirements, and - Engagement in unauthorized employment.
- Exchange visitors who are terminated are
ineligible for an extension of stay or
in-country change of status.
7Maintaining Status
- Exchange visitors maintain their J-1 status by
- Obtaining validation of the SEVIS record after
check-in is completed (must check in immediately
after arriving ) - Retaining required documentation at all times
- Valid DS-2019
- Valid Passport
- I-94 card marked D/S Duration of Status
refers to program period listed under item 3 on
DS-2019 - Engaging only in appropriate activities permitted
under their program and category specifically,
the activity described in Section 4 on the
DS2019. If the exchange visitor completes or
ceases this activity, he/she should leave the
U.S. within 30 days - Refraining from unauthorized employment (any
employment activity that is not included in Part
4 on the DS-2019 must be approved in writing by
EVS before the activity begins) - Maintaining required health insurance coverage
for the entire program period specified on the
Form DS-2019. Detailed information may be
obtained at Insurance Information - Reporting a change of address to USCIS, UF and
EVS within 10 days of the move date (All
non-immigrants must file an AR-11 either
electronically or via mail with USCIS. UF
exchange visitors should also visit
www.my.ufl.edu to update their UF directory
profile, and write to scholarinsurance_at_ufic.ufl.ed
u to request an update of their address in the
EVS database and - Filing timely and appropriate transfers and
extension requests with the appropriate
administrative staff member in the hiring
department/center
8Check-in with EVS
- All exchange visitors are required to check in
with EVS immediately after arriving in the U.S.
Validation of the SEVIS record will only occur
after check-in is completed. Check-in is
conducted between the hours of 8AM and 5PM,
Monday through Friday, if the exchange visitor
has ALL required documents (must have appropriate
verification of insurance coverage requirements
). - Documents required for check-in include
- J-1 Visa
- Passport
- I-94 card (front and back)
- DS-2019 for J-1 and all accompanying J-2
dependents - Completed Faculty/Scholar Registration Form
(front and back) , and - Proof of insurance coverage for exchange visitor
and dependents that meets federal requirements as
outlined in Insurance Information. - For exchange visitors not located on the main
campus of UF, check-in can be conducted via fax
(352-392-6782) or scan and email of all required
documents.
9J1/J2 Mandatory Health Insurance
- All exchange visitors, both J-1 principals and
their J-2 dependents, are required by the U.S.
Government (22 CFR 62.14) to have Sickness and
Accident insurance, and Medical Evacuation and
Repatriation insurance meeting specific
requirements (see Slide 10) in effect for the
duration of their J status validity periods. - Please see the next slide for instructions on
providing confirmation of insurance.
10J1/J2 Mandatory Health Insurance, contd.
- EVS only accepts insurance plans which meet all
the requirements. Acceptable proof of coverage
will be determined by EVS staff ONLY. - It is your responsibility to maintain valid
medical insurance coverage at ALL times (from the
Start Date on your DS2019 until the end date on
your DS2019). The required insurance coverage
must be purchased for a minimum of a 90 day
period. Exchange visitors who will hold J status
for a period of less than 90 days may purchase
insurance coverage on a month to month basis
until the end of his or her program. - A willful failure on the part of the exchange
visitor to maintain effective insurance will
result in termination of the visitors program. - You can submit your documents prior to arrival
for approval by emailing them to
scholarinsurance_at_ufic.ufl.edu - You can purchase one of our pre-approved plans
and submit the confirmation to our office. - If you do not, you must submit an Insurance
Verification Form completed and signed by the
company acknowledging that the policy meets all
the requirements OR if the company will not sign
the form we need a letter or Certificate in
English from the company, addressing each
requirement and verifying that your policy meets
or exceeds them. Both documents should include a
list of those covered and the effective (begin
and end dates) dates of the policy.
11 The Federal
government has outlined the following
requirements 1. Medical benefits of at least
50,000 per accident or illness2. Repatriation
of remains in the amount of 7,5003. Medical
Evacuation in the amount of 10,0004. A
deductible not to exceed 500 per accident or
illness (also may include a waiting period for
pre-existing conditions and 25 co-payment)5.
Policy shall not unreasonably exclude coverage
for perils inherent to the activities of the
Exchange Program in which the Exchange Visitor
participates6. Any insurance policy secured to
fulfill these requirements must meet minimum
Insurance Solvency ratingA) Underwritten by an
insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating
of A- or above, an InsuranceSolvency
International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of A or above,
a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B or above
ORB) Backed by the full faith and credit of the
government of the exchange visitors home
country ORC) Part of a health benefits program
offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled
students by adesignated sponsor ORD) Offered
through or underwritten by a federally qualified
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or
eligibleCompetitive Medical Plan (CMP) as
determined by the Health Care Financing
Administration of the US Department of Health and
Human Services7. Must be acceptable in all
medical facilities.
Mandatory Health Accident Insurance
Requirements
12 Gator Link Account
- GatorLink is an individual's computer network
identity at the University of Florida. Every
applicant, student, faculty and staff member is
expected to have a GatorLink username and
password . http//www.gatorlink.ufl.edu/. - A GatorLink account provides a username_at_ufl.edu
e-mail address. Official university
communications are sent to students at this email
address. - GatorLink also offers access to a variety of
campus computing services at no cost, in addition
to fee-based services. GatorLink services include
a free email inbox, free webspace and a monthly
dialup quota at a minimal cost. Many campus
services require a GatorLink signon, including
ISIS, WebCT, computer labs and network
connections, print services, online training and
the download of university- licensed software.
13Gator 1 Card Services
- The Gator 1 Card is the official University of
Florida picture ID card. It is required of all
students, faculty, and staff. Many activities on
campus are only available upon presentation of
the Gator 1 Card. Gator 1 Central is located in
Room G071 in the UF Bookstore Welcome Center
on Museum Road. - Exchange visitors should ask the sponsoring
department s secretary or office manager to
complete the ID Card Authorization form.
Completed forms must have a customer code or
p-card checked (not both), or write "Employee
will pay". The department must fax the form to
392-4156. Appointment may be made by calling
(352) 273-5044. A picture ID must be presented
to receive a Gator 1 ID Card. - Shands the Health Science Center Employees
- Shands and Health Science Center employees may
obtain Gator 1 cards at the locations below - Shands HospitalEmployee Resource CenterRoom
10041600 SW Archer Road352-392-0043730am -
430pm - Health Science CenterBiomedical Media
ServicesCommunicore Bldg, Rm C3-3 Please call
for information and an appointment352-273-5044 - http//www.gator1.ufl.edu/
14Two Year Home Country 212(e) Regulation
- Exchange visitors subject to the 212(e) rule
requirement must return to their home country and
reside in that country for two years before they
become eligible for H, L, or permanent resident
status. If subject to the 212(e) rule, exchange
visitors are not permitted to change their
nonimmigrant status within the United States from
J to any other nonimmigrant category except A
(diplomatic) and G (international organization)
statuses. - See link for more information Two Year Home
Country 212(e) regulation - Exchange visitors may be subject to this
requirement if - The exchange visitors skill category appears on
the applicable countrys list of skills that
are in critical demand. Listings of skill
categories for applicable countries are located
in the Federal Register Revised Exchange-Visitor
Skills List. and/or - The exchange visitors program is supported
financially by a government or international
agency. - U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General visa
officers determine if an exchange visitor is
subject to the 212(e) rule. Inquiries about
applicability of the 212(e) rule should be
addressed to a visa section representative at the
appropriate U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate
Generals office http//www.usembassy.gov/ - A waiver of the Two-Year Home Country Physical
Presence Requirement is possible - Exchange visitors may apply for a waiver of the
212(e) requirement. Waivers are permitted by the
Department of State and granted by U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Faculty and Scholar Services considers compliance
with the Home Country Presence Requirement the
responsibility of the exchange visitor. EVS role
in the waiver application process is limited to
providing basic procedural information about the
process.
15Waiver Of 212(e)
- A waiver of the Two-Year Home Country Physical
Presence Requirement (see link Waiver of 212(e))
can be obtained by filing an I-612 with the USCIS
for the following reasons - Statement of no objection from the home country,
- Interest of a U.S. government agency,
- Exceptional hardship to a U.S. citizen or
permanent resident spouse or child of the
exchange visitor, or - Persecution of the exchange visitor because of
race, religion, or political opinion.
1612-Month/24-Month Bar On Repeat Participation As
A Professor Or Research Scholar
- 12-Month Bar on repeat participation as a
Professor or Research Scholar (Previous Rule) - An exchange visitor who participates in a J
program as a Professor or Research Scholar is
barred from returning to the United States in the
Professor or Research Scholar category for 1 year
(12 months) immediately following the completion
of their initial program (including J-2
dependents) before November 18, 2006. - An exchange visitor whose prior physical presence
in J status was of less than six months duration
is exempt from the 12-month bar. - 24-Month Bar on repeat participation as a
Professor or Research Scholar (Current Rule) - An exchange visitor who participates in a J
program as a Professor or Research Scholar is
barred from returning to the United States in the
Professor or Research Scholar category for 2
years (24 months) immediately following the
completion of their initial program (including
J-2 dependents) . The effective date of this
provision was November 18, 2006.
17J-1 Exchange Visitor Program J-2 Dependents
- Exchange visitors with immediate family members
(husband or wife and/or children under the age of
21) may be eligible to have those family members
accompany them during their programs. - Dependents of J Exchange Visitors are granted J-2
status and are required to have a separate Form
DS-2019 issued in order to apply for a J-2 visa
stamp. - Dependents are required to carry health insurance
meeting specific requirements as outlined in
Insurance Information. - Dependents are eligible to apply for work
authorization once they arrive in the US by
filing an I-765 with the USCIS (the link provides
filing instructions as well as the link to I-765
form).
18J-1 Exchange Visitor Program J-2 Dependents-
continued
- J-2 Dependents may not
- Remain in the U.S. during the period that the J-1
exchange visitor resides abroad if the period
exceeds 30 days (Generally, absences for periods
of 30 days or longer results a break in the
continuity of status for the J-1 Exchange Visitor
and therefore, may invalidate the J-2 status for
family members) - Apply for work authorization to earn income that
will support the J-1 exchange visitor - Remain in the U.S. as a J-2 child dependent after
reaching the age of 21. - J-1 Exchange Visitors are not permitted to leave
dependent family members in the U.S. during
extended visits to their home countries.
Generally, absences for periods of 30 days or
longer results a break in the continuity of
status for the J-1 Exchange Visitor and
therefore, may invalidate the J-2 status for
family members.
19Social Security Numbers
- J-1 exchange visitors who will be paid by
University of Florida (who are receiving program
sponsor funds, as indicated on the DS-2019) are
eligible to apply for a Social Security Number.
Professors, Research Scholars and Short Term
scholars MUST wait at least 10 days after
entering the U.S. before visiting the local SSA
office or the social security card will be
delayed. - Exceptions
- Short term scholars who will earn income from UF
and will reside in the U.S. for at least 15 days
but not more than 29 days should not wait 10
days. They must visit the Social Security Office
immediately after arriving in the U.S. The Social
Security Administration (SSA) will not issue a
social security number to an individual who will
not reside in the U.S. at least 14 days beyond
the date that the application for a social
security number is submitted to the SSA office.
20 Drivers Licenses
- DMVFlorida.org is your online guide to the
Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. The Florida
DMV can be very confusing. And it can be very
difficult to find what you are looking for. Our
mission is to make it easy for you to complete
your Florida DMV needs online. - Common services provided by the DMV include
drivers license renewal, license plate renewal,
getting a learners permit, and finding a Florida
department of Motor Vehicles approved traffic
school. - DMV News - 12 Hour Traffic School now Online
- 12 traffic school (ADI) now available online to
help Habitual Traffic Offenders get a hardship
license. - Florida Driving Records
- Get official DMV driving records instantly
- Learners Permit Online
- Take your DATA course and DMV test online
- Auto Insurance Center
- Save your hard earned Florida Approved
Insurers - Traffic Ticket Options
- Traffic School can protect your driving record
21Early Departure
- Exchange visitors who end their program more than
30 days prior to the end date on the DS-2019 and
will not return to the U.S. must notify the
sponsoring department/center. Then it is the
departments responsibility to submit the
appropriate paperwork to EVS. - Please also send an email to evs_at_ufic.ufl.edu to
notify our office of your departure.
22Extension of Program
- Extensions are obtained for exchange visitors
through the sponsoring department/center. Proper
paperwork must be submitted to EVS 30 days before
the end date of the J program. - A professor or research scholar can be sponsored
by UF for a maximum period of five years. For
example, if the initial program is scheduled for
a one year period, extensions of the program may
be requested from EVS that total a period of five
years. - A short-term scholar program is limited to 6
months in duration. Extensions are not granted
beyond the 6 months maximum stay period.
23Amendments to Program
- Amendments to J Programs require submission of
appropriate forms to EVS by the sponsoring
department/center. Acceptable reasons for
requesting an amendment include changes in the
following J program characteristics - Funding
- Worksite Location
- Supervisor
- Department (change in activity is NOT permitted)
Department changes require prior EVS approval - Addition of J-2 dependent(s)does not require the
signature of a department administrator only
requested information and appropriate funding
verification is required
24Transfers
- Exchange visitors may continue their program
objective under the sponsorship of another
authorized sponsor in the U.S. by transferring
their SEVIS records to a new program sponsor. - Requirements for transfer of program include
- Program sponsor is approved by Department of
State (DOS) to sponsor the same J Exchange
Visitor category - Program objective/activity remains unchanged
- Period of program will not exceed maximum DOS
established period and, - J Exchange Visitor checks in with new sponsor
immediately following transfer date. - An exchange visitor who desires to transfer his
or her program must consult with the current
faculty sponsor and ask the department to - Complete appropriate Transfer In or Transfer Out
form and include appropriate signatures - Submit Transfer Out Form to EVS no later than 30
days before desired transfer date - If transferring program to UF Please submit
Transfer In form to sponsoring department along
with a copy of the current DS-2019.
25Enrolling in Academic Courses
- There is no regulatory prohibition on a J-1
Professor or Research Scholar enrolling in
classes as long as - the classes are incidental to his or her primary
activity - the Professor or Research Scholar continues to
pursue the objectives for which he or she came - the program continues to fulfill the objectives
of the Professor or Research Scholar category
and, - the classes do not become the primary objective.
- Consultation with a Faculty and Scholar Services
staff member and a UF International Student
Advisor should be undertaken before pursuing a
degree program as this is considered a change in
status. Visit http//www.ufic.ufl.edu/issstaff.htm
for International Student Services contact
information.
26Enrolling in Academic Courses, contd.
- 1) J exchange visitors are permitted to enroll in
a degree program, if this activity is verified as
being "incidental study" If the beneficiaries
maintain the requirements/objectives of their
respective J programs and written verification of
this maintenance is submitted in writing to EVS
from the department/center sponsor or supervisor
and, -
- 2) All J exchange visitors who enroll in courses
at UF are required to meet the international
student insurance coverage requirements and
provide proof of this coverage to EVS before
insurance holds are lifted. Please visit the ISS
website concerning insurance http//www.ufic.ufl.
edu/issresources/insurance.htm
27Traveling Abroad and Re-entering the U.S.
- A DS-2019 travel signature issued by a
Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible
Officer (AR0) is required of exchange visitors
who wish to travel outside of the U.S. Travel
signatures can be obtained from EVS, during
normal business hours. Proof of current health
insurance is required before travel signatures
are issued. - Travel to home country, with intent to return to
the U.S., requires a valid passport and travel
signature on the DS-2019 form. If the J visa
stamp is expired, the exchange visitor must
obtain a new visa stamp before entry to the U.S.
will be granted. - Travel to a country abroad, other than the
visitors home country, requires a valid passport
and a travel signature on DS-2019 form. Exchange
visitors should also contact the Consulate
Generals office or Embassy of the country that
will be visited for entry requirements and
procedures.
28 Change of Address
- Reporting a change of address to USCIS, UF and
EVS within 10 days of the move date is Mandatory.
- (All non-immigrants must file an AR-11 either
electronically or via mail with USCIS. - UF exchange visitors should also visit
www.my.ufl.edu to update their UF directory
profile, and write to scholarinsurance_at_ufic.ufl.ed
u to request an update of their address in the
EVS database
29 Bicycles Laws
- Florida law defines a bicycle as a vehicle.
Because of this status, bicyclists are subject to
many of the same responsibilities as operators of
motor vehicles and subject to the same citations
and fines for violating traffic law. - --------------------------------------------http
//www.dot.state.fl.us/safety --------------------
------------------------ - The University of Florida Police Department
enforces all the laws of the State of Florida.
Because of the University of Florida's commitment
to the safety of the University Police Department
places a strong emphasis is placed on the
enforcement of traffic laws including bicycle
traffic regulations. If you ride a bicycle, you
must be knowledgeable of the rules of the road
and the traffic laws that govern the operation of
your vehicle, the bicycle. - Traffic violators on bicycles are subject to the
same fines as violators in automobiles, 123.50
for a moving violation, 188.50 for running a red
light, 77.50 for a non-moving violation and
49.50 for a violation specific to bicycle
operation.
30 Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP)
- SNAP provides nightly escorts anywhere on campus
to persons on request. The service is staffed by
students equipped and supervised by the
university police department. - Escorts are routed on foot and driven trips. A
person requesting an escort may contact SNAP via
telephone at 392-SNAP (392-7627). The requester
provides their first name, location of pick-up
and destination to the dispatcher who determines
the best method of meeting the requester's need.
A walking or driving escort is dispatched, to
their location. - Purpose and History
- The Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP) was
implemented in 1976 to provide safe, nighttime
transportation on the University of Florida
campus. The "buddy system" has long been
recognized as a means of enhancing personal
safety and security. SNAP provides an on-call
"buddy" ready to escort university students,
staff and visitors. - SNAP's funding comes from the Transportation fee
generated from student tuition and the University
Police Department. - How to Use SNAP
- An escort may be requested by calling 392-SNAP
from 630 p.m. to 130 a.m. nightly. Your call
will be received by the SNAP dispatcher who will
ask for your first name, location and
destination. The dispatcher will route the
nearest escort to you or provide the location and
time of the next SNAP express stop at your
location. - Snap provides thousands of safe escorts each
year. Plan ahead and contact SNAP prior to your
desired departure time to reduce waiting time.
31 University Police / Public Safety
- Safety Tips and Information
- Welcome! Please visit the University of Florida
Police Departments web safety tips page. Please
use the links provided below to access more
information about the safety topics you are
interested in. Keep in mind that these tips are
by no means all-inclusive but should be used as a
general guideline for evaluating your own safety
and security in any given situation. - http//www.police.ufl.edu/csd/csd_safetips.asp
- http//www.police.ufl.edu/csd/csd_psacpp.asp
32Emergency Information
- 911 Emergency Service
- You would dial 911 (from any phone or cell phone)
in the case of an emergency for health, fire,
safety, etc - Be sure to have the address or location you are
calling about to provide to the operator. - 911 will send an ambulance, police patrol car or
fire truck (or any combination of these),
depending on the nature of the situation.
33Hospitals
- Gainesville has two hospitals if you need to
visit an Emergency Room without ambulance
assistance - Shands Hospital - http//www.shands.com/
- 1600 SW Archer Rd Gainesville Florida 32610
- (352) 273-8010
- North Florida Regional Medical Center
http//www.nfrmc.com/ - 6500 W Newberry Rd,
- Gainesville, FL 32605
- (352) 333-4000
34Walk-in Clinic Information(For check-ups,
physicals, injuries (non-emergency),etc)
- Urgent Care Center of Gainesville
- 3925 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606
- (352) 371-1777
- First Care of Gainesville
- 4343 W Newberry Rd Ste 10, Gainesville, FL 32607
- (352) 373-2340
- Hampton Oaks Sports Medicine
- 200 SW 62nd Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32607
- (352) 265-0645
35Government Contact Information
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- http//www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
- U.S. Embassies and Consulates
- http//www.usembassy.gov
- Department of State (DOS) http//www.state.gov/