Becoming a J-1 Exchange Visitor at TXST

Welcome to Texas State University! If you're considering becoming a J-1 Exchange Visitor at TXST, you've come to the right place. This page will guide you through the process of joining our vibrant academic community as a visiting scholar, professor, researcher, or student intern under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Whether you're here for a few months or a full academic year, we’re excited to support your journey and help make your experience at Texas State both successful and enriching.

The ISSS office provided excellent support throughout the J-1 process, making the transition smooth and worry-free. My time at TXST left me with not only meaningful scientific outcomes but also lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

-Past J1 Scholar

Process Overview

To determine eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) status in the Research Scholar or Professor, Short-Term Scholar, Specialist, or Student Intern or Non-Degree Student categories, follow the steps below. More details and all links to forms can be found on the Sponsoring J-1 Exchange Visitors page.

Expand FAQ List

  • If any information or documents are missing, the TXST department contact will reach out to you for clarification or additional information. The department contact will submit all documentation to the ISSS Office.

    Documents that you will have to provide the TXST sponsor, include, but are not limited to:

    • Proof of funding ($1,800 per month for J-1 Exchange Visitor based on the approved length of stay and $500 per dependent (spouse/child) (if applicable)
    • Passport biometrics--identification page
    • Proof of English Proficiency
    • Previous of DS-201s for J-1/J-2 status issued by other U.S. institution (if applicable) 
    • Insurance coverage for you and your dependents (if applicable)
      • You can review further information about the insurance requirement, on our J-1 Exchange Visitor Program FAQ webpage.

  • Once the ISSS Office reviews your documentation, an ARO/RO from the ISSS Office will issue a Form DS-2019, for you or any applicable J-2 depedent(s). For the Student Intern category, the ISSS will issue a Form DS-7002, Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP).

    An ISSS J-1 Advisor will endorse the DS-2019(s) or DS-7002 (if applicable) and send it to the department and you. You must review the form and sign it in blue ink.

  • After receiving the DS-2019, you will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. You will need to pay this fee in order to be able to book a visa appointment. To find dates/times available at a local U.S. Embassy or Consulate, review your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate's website to review available appointment dates/times to schedule your J-1 visa appointment.

  • Be sure to review materials that will help your transition to TXST such as reviewing the J-1 Orientation materials provided on this webpage.

  • When you arrive on campus, a Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) will confirm your program participation and activate your status. You will receive an email notification once this process is complete.

Proof of Financial Support Requirements

The U.S. Department of State requires that J-1 Exchange Visitor(s) have financial resources to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program for themselves and their J-2 Dependents.

Type of FundingRequired Documentation
Texas State University Letter of Offer from Texas State University
Personal FundingPersonal bank statement or bank letter
Government SponsorshipFinancial Guarantee Letter from the Sponsor on official letterhead with the amount and dates of awarded funding
Employer SponsorshipFinancial Guarantee Letter from the employer on officail letterhead with the amount and dates of awarded funding
Family or Other Type of FundingFamily member(s) or other individual's bank statement or bank letter on the bank's letterhead. The letter must be signed by the account owner stating the amount of funding and dates.
Other Organization ScholarshipFinancial Guarantee Letter from the organization, on official letterhead, with the amount and dates of awarded funding

Acceptable Proof of Funding

  • Letter from sponsoring organization with the date, amount of funding, and an official signature from the sponsor
  • The bank letter must be printed on bank letterhead 
  • Name of the account holder and type of bank account (checking or savings)
  • Type of currency
  • Letter must be in English, if it is not provided in English, you will need to submit a translated copy
  • Current available balance as of the date listed on the bank statement
  • If you are receiving funding from another source, other than yourself, that individual/sponsor must provide a letter stating that you have access to their account.

Unacceptable Proof of Funding

  • Any document that is dated more than six months prior to the DS-2019 program start date.
  • Screenshots of an online account. Bank statements must be provided in PDF format.
  • Investment accounts, tax forms, or salary payment stubs.

2-Year Home-Country Requirement

Please note that depending on your country of citizenship, some J-1 visa holders, along with their J-2 spouses/children, are required to return to their home country before obtaining certain immigration benefits. You may review further information regarding this requirement at USCIS.

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Need Advised

If you have questions about the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, please utilize the link below to schedule an appointment with a J-1 Advisor.