What is a J-1 Scholar? 

North Carolina A&T State University is committed to foster a more diverse and inclusive campus community by promoting cultural awareness, collegiality, and by cultivating respect for diverse people and cultures.  N.C. A&T has a diverse academic environment with J-1 Scholars coming from every part of the world. This section provides information for/about prospective and current international J-1 Scholars.

A J-1 Scholar is a visiting researcher, professor, or specialist from a country outside of the United States who has been approved to enter the United States for a specific purpose and for a limited amount of time. If you are interested in hosting a J-1 international scholar in your department for the purpose of research and/or teaching it please click here.

Maximum Length of Stay 

Maximum length of stay for j-1 students table
Category Minimum Duration of Participation Maximum Duration of Participation 
Professor 3 Weeks 5 Years
Research Scholar 3 Weeks 5 Years
Short Term Scholar N/A 6 Months
Student 3 Weeks N/A*

* University/college students may engage in degree-granting programs until completion or non-degree-granting programs for no more than 24 months.

Becoming a J-1 Scholar

The Exchange Visitor Program provides countless opportunities for international candidates looking to travel and gain experience in the United States. The multifaceted programs enable foreign nationals to come to the United States to teach, study, conduct research, demonstrate special skills or receive on-the-job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years.

Pre-Arrival Process

A Prospective J-1 Exchange Visitor should work with the prospective Academic Department to complete and submit the DS-2019 request form with required uploads:

1. Curriculum Vitae/Resume

2. Proof of English Proficiency- assessments conducted by the University.

3. Passport identification page(s)-current at least 6 months in the future)- also provide for dependents if accompanying primary

4. Letter confirming Sabbatical from current employer/home university (specific length of time must be shown)

5. Letter confirming funding from home country employer/government (if applicable)

6. List of previous visits to the United States (if applicable)

7. Confirmation of legitimate and current insurance coverage upon entry to the United States

8. If already inside the U.S. and requesting transfer - Documents confirming current legal status

  • I-94 (front and back)
  • Current and valid DS-2019
  • Passport Identification Page(s)
  • Letter from current program sponsor authorizing/acknowledging transfer to NCA&T
  • Letter from home university confirming knowledge and approval of transfer to NCA&T
  • Copies of dependent documents (I-94, DS-2019, Passport ID pages, etc.

The Form DS-2019, also referred to simply as the "DS-2019," certifies that a visitor is eligible to apply for a J-1 visa for a given Exchange Visitor program in the United States. It is a foundational visa document for J-1 status. 

Pay the SEVIS I-901 form and keep the receipt
You must have a complete and accurate DS-2019 to begin step two

If you do not have a DS-2019 or if the information on the form is incorrect, contact the Office of International Affairs or your program sponsor.

Foreign citizens applying to become non-immigrants visa holders pay the following SEVIS I-901 fee amounts:
  • I-901 J-1 visa applicants: $220
  • I-901 F-1/M-1 visa applicants (full payment) $350 
Who Must Pay the Fee?

Any J-1 scholar and exchange student with Form DS-2019 issued for “Begin New Program”.

Do not pay for a dependent child or spouse who is on an F-2, M-2, or J-2 visa. There is no I-901 SEVIS fee due for a dependent child or spouse for these visa types.

Do not pay again if you know that you have made a mistake after you submitted your information. Instead, send an email to fmjfee.sevis@ice.dhs.gov and explain what information may need to be changed

How to Pay the SEVIS Fee and What are the Payment Options?

Payment Options
You can pay your fee by credit or debit card if you are submitting your form online.
  • SEVP accepts payment by:
    • Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit cards
    • Debit cards (also known as check cards) that have the Visa or MasterCard logo
  • Credit or debit cards can only be used when paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee and completing the Form I-901 online at www.fmjfee.com.
See the section on credit and debit cards for more information about the cards SEVP will accept.
You can pay by international money order or check drawn on a financial institution in the United States and payable in United States currency. (See the section on payment by check or money order for more information.)

Apply for Visa

What is a Visa
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.

Items Needed for a Visa

You will need to present the following items to the nearest U.S consulate or embassy to your home country to obtain a visa to enter the United States. 

  • N.C. A&T State University Offer, Invitation, or Admissions Letter
  • SEVIS generated DS-2019 Form (if J-1)
  • Proof of SEVIS I-901 fee payment (receipt). You need to pay the SEVIS fee before you can be granted a visa interview. 
  • Documentation evidencing financial ability to meet expenses while in the U.S. (bank account statements, fellowship or grant support letter etc.)
  • Passport valid at least six months into the future
  • One (1) 2x2 photograph
  • Electronic Form DS-160 (Non-immigrant visa Application)
  • Visa application processing fee--approximately $160 (an additional Reciprocity Fee may apply, depending on your country of citizenship)
  • Any other documents required by the consular office