J-1 Exchange Visitor Transfer-In

We are excited to welcome J-1 Exchange Visitors who are considering transferring to TXST from another institution in the United States.

Steps for J-1 Exchange Visitor(s): Transferring In

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1. Obtain Offer or Invitation Letter from Texas State University (TXST)
- Secure a formal invitation or offer letter from a Texas State University (TXST) department confirming your visit, proposed dates, and duties.
- To be eligible for a J-1 visa, which is commonly used by individuals coming to the United States for academic or research purposes, you must secure a faculty sponsor within the university.
- Specifically, you will need to find a faculty member or professor at Texas State University who is willing to act as your sponsor for the J-1 Visiting Scholar visa.
- The professor or department would serve as your sponsor by formally inviting you to participate as one of our J-1 Exchange Visitor categories. They are responsible for initiating the visa request process, completing internal university procedures, and ensuring that your proposed activities meet the criteria established by the U.S. Department of State for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
- Once you have a faculty sponsor, the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office will guide both you and your sponsoring department through the steps needed to issue the Form DS-2019, which is a critical document for applying for the J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Please note: Without a formal invitation and departmental sponsorship, the university cannot initiate or support a J-1 visa application.
2. Coordinate Transfer Date
- Work with both your current institution and Texas State to choose a mutually agreed SEVIS “Transfer Release Date”.
- This date is important—your current DS-2019 will no longer be valid after this date, and Texas State cannot issue a new DS-2019 until the transfer date passes.
3. Complete Transfer-In Request Form and Supply Visa Documentation
Complete Texas State’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Transfer-In Form, which may include a section to be completed by your current institution’s Responsible Officer.

Send your sponsor the following documents:
- Completed J-1 Exchange Visitor Transfer In Form
- Proof of current funding equivalent to $1,800 per month.
- For teaching or research scholars, this will be in the form of a letter of appointment.
- For student interns, funding should meet required funding to be issued a DS-2019 and a DS-7002 Form must be provided.
- Copy of passport(s) (and dependents if applicable)
- CV or Resume
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Any dependent passports, and an additional $500 per dependent in the bank statements.
- Copies of previous J-1 DS-2019’s (and dependents if applicable)
- Visitor’s most recent I-94 (and dependents if applicable)
4. Receive New DS-2019 from Texas State University

After the release date, Texas State will issue your new DS-2019 within 10 business days for continued participation under the same J-1 SEVIS record and program number.
5. Check-In and Report to International Office

Upon arrival, you must complete a mandatory check-in with the International Office and provide copies of your immigration documents (passport, visa, DS-2019, I-94, etc.). This mandatory check-in link will be sent to you via email so that you are able to upload required documentation for the ISSS Office.

Transfer-In Form

Steps for TXST Sponsors: Inviting an Exchange Visitor to TXST as a Transfer-In

A transfer-in exchange visitor is a student who is currently in the United States completing a J-1 Exchange Visitor program.

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1. Secure approval from Faculty and Academic Resources

Secure approval from Faculty and Academic Resources to invite a new exchange visitor to campus.
2. Draft and send a formal invitation or offer letter

Draft and send a formal invitation or offer letter from your department confirming the visitor’s proposed program dates, duties and any relevant pay or benefits arrangements.
3. Coordinate a Transfer-In Date

Work with the exchange visitor to choose a SEVIS “Transfer Release Date” mutually agreed upon by TXST and the visitor’s current host institution. This date will need to be prior to when you want the Echange Visitor to start your program.
4. Obtain all documentation required for assistance of a DS-2019
- Invitation letter from the sponsor to the scholar.
- For teaching or research scholars, this will be in the form of a letter of appointment.
- For student interns, this would be in the form of an invitation to work at the department.
- J-1 Exchange Visitor Transfer In Form
- Proof of current funding equivalent to $1,800 per month.
- For teaching or research scholars, this will be in the form of a letter of appointment.
- For student interns, funding should meet the criteria outlined in the TIEC J-1 Exchange Information Form.
- Copy of passport
- CV or Resume
- Proof of English proficiency – refer to the acceptable documents in the TIEC J-1 Exchange Visitor Information Form.
- Any dependent passports, and an additional $500 per dependent in the bank statements.
- Copies of previous J-1 DS-2019’s.
- Visitor’s most recent I-94
5. Ensure that the J-1 Exchange Visitor request form has been completed

Complete the J-1 Exchange Visitor request form on the ISSS Department Resources webpage, including all the above documents.
6. Allow 10 days for the ISSS Office to issue the Exchange Visitor a DS-2019

This immigration document will be sent directly to the Exchange Visitors email on file.

Questions?

Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to internationalscholars@txstate.edu