Incoming Scholar Guide
During your exchange program, you will have the unique opportunity to experience life in the United States while engaging in collaborative research and/or teaching at Adelphi University.
This is an exciting time and we want to make sure that you’re on track and prepared to arrive on campus and introduce you to some of the major requirements of the Exchange Visitor Program regulations.
Essential Information
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS), allows academic institutions to sponsor international scholars to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States. Incoming scholars should review the Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure to prepare for your upcoming visit.
Responsible Officers
Sponsors appoint individuals as responsible officers to advise and assist exchange visitors. You will find your responsible officer in International Services whose role is to help you manage your program. If problems arise, International Services is here to help you and is your primary contact at Adelphi University.
Current Regulations
It is important that you understand and abide by the Exchange Visitor Program regulations, U.S. laws and sponsor rules. Failure to meet these requirements or fulfill the purpose for why the Department of State issued your visa will result in the termination of your status resulting in removal from the United States. Regular contact with International Services will help you keep current with any change which may affect your status.
Health Insurance
Program participants and their dependents in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program are required to have medical insurance coverage for themselves and any dependent for the entire program duration. Scholars are independently required to purchase private insurance which meets J-1 requirements and provide International Services with a copy of the policy plan prior to the program start date.
Home Physical Presence Requirement
Participants who are subject to the two-year home-country residence requirement must “reside and be physically present” in their “home” country for an aggregate of at least two years after departing the U.S. after completing their J-1 program.
Contacting the State Department
The Exchange Visitor Program is administered under the oversight of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
- Report Abuse or Exploitation: If you are mistreated and/or your rights are violated, and your sponsor is not providing the help you need, contact the Department of State for assistance:
- Emergency Hotline: 1.866.283.9090 is for use by exchange visitors and third parties in the case of urgent situations. A Department of State representative is available 24 hours a day.
- Regular Communications or Questions: jvisas@state.gov for address is to communicate non-emergency issues, questions, and concerns.
Before You Arrive
Moving from one country to another is not easy. That’s why Adelphi makes this process as clear as possible.
You must pay the required I-901 fee prior to your visa interview for the currently issued I-20. Students who have paid this fee under a previously issued SEVIS Number must transfer the fee to your currently issued SEVIS number.
Plan early to apply for your visa, as this is required to enter the U.S. and begin your program. Details on how to apply, the required documents, and planning for your visa interview can be found in our visa process guide.
Adelphi University has partnered with Off Campus Partners to offer a comprehensive listing of available off-campus housing near campus, find potential roommates, and browse furniture for sale.
Plan your itinerary to arrive at Adelphi University prior to the program start date listed on your DS-2019. You can enter the U.S. no more than 30-days prior to this program start date. There are documents required for travel that you must present to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in order to enter the U.S.
- If you need transportation to get to Adelphi University, there are several public transport options as well as free shuttle buses daily.
- If you can not arrive prior to your program start date, contact International Services.
If you plan to bring your legal spouse or child with you to the U.S., you must request a dependent I-20 or DS-2019 using the International Services Portal.
Schedule your check-in with your responsible officer within your first week of arriving in the U.S. Please contact International Services for an appointment.
After You Arrive
You are required to report your arrival in the US and register with International Services, completing your immigration check in and submitting your insurance documents to register your SEVIS record.
You must provide your local U.S. address, telephone number, personal email, and emergency contact information by completing the “Contact Information Update” using the International Services Portal.
Submit your signed DS-2019, J-1 Visa, and I-94 Arrival Record to International Services.
Get your Adelphi University ID Card by visiting Public Safety located in Levermore Hall, Room 113.