Next Steps Guidance for Incoming J-1 Exchange Visitors
Congratulations on your upcoming Exchange Visitor opportunity with The University of Toledo!
Exchange Visitors in the Professor, Research Scholar or Short-Term Scholar categories should follow the guidance below after receiving their DS-2019 and Visa Support Letter from OISSS.
SEVIS Fee
Pay the $220 SEVIS fee before your visa interview. Print out the receipt to present at the visa interview. You only need to pay one SEVIS fee, which will cover the J-1 DS-2019 and J-2 Dependents.
Pay the fee at USCIS's I-901 Fee page.
Visa Guidance
To obtain a J-1 visa stamp in your passport, present the following items to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate at your interview:
- Form DS-2019 that you have signed and dated
- Visa Support Letter from our office
- An offer/visitation letter from UT
- Financial documentation (scholarship letter, offer letter, etc.)
- Form DS-160 (found at U.S. Department of State)
- Passport
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
During your visa interview, do not indicate in any manner that you plan to remain in the U.S. permanently, or your visa will be denied.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Have all immigration documents in a safe place as you travel. Bring your DS-2019, passport, and visa. Keep these documents in your carry-on baggage. You will receive an electronic I-94 number after entering the U.S., which can be obtained by going to USCIS's I-94 page.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The U.S. Department of State requires that all J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents present proof of health insurance. Program participants and their dependents are required to have medical insurance coverage with the following minimum benefits [22 CFR 62.14]:
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
You can purchase health insurance after arrival, if needed. Not having the required health insurance is a violation of the J-1 Status, so it is important to make it a priority.
If you will be employed and paid by UToledo, employee health insurance is an available option.
If you will be responsible for your own health insurance, a list of well-known providers can be found on our J-1 Health Insurance page.
TRANSPORTATION
Review transportation options to Toledo from the Toledo or Detroit airport at our Pre-Departure and Arrival page.
HOUSING
To find an apartment, house, or room near the campus where you will be working, visit UToledo's Commuter website.
To request a list of local apartments, email oisss@utoledo.edu.
Program Start Date
Please advise your department of any visa or travel delays, especially if you are not able to begin your program by the intended start date (box 3 of the DS-2019). Your department will need to inform us of the new start date to be used to update your electronic record so that you are granted entry into the United States. If you enter after the program’s start date, and you did not notify anyone of a visa delay, you may be denied entry even with a valid visa.
You may enter the USA up to 30 days before your program start date. Upon entry into the U.S., announce that you are an Exchange Visitor coming to teach or perform research.
J-1 Check-in Appointment with OISSS
Upon arrival to The University of Toledo, you are required to check in at the Office of International Student & Scholar Services, Snyder Memorial Room 1000. Call 419.530.4229 to schedule your J-1 Check-In Appointment.
You will be emailed a check-in form to be completed prior to your scheduled appointment time.
Bring the following documents to your J-1 Check-in Appointment:
- Signed DS-2019
- Passport
- Visa
- I-94 (found at USCBP's I-94 page)
- Health insurance information, if applicable (options can be discussed during appointment)
For more information, refer to the J-1 Handbook.