Pre-Arrival Information for Scholars
To participate in an exchange visitor program, the program host or hosting department must issue a letter of invitation which outlines all of the activities in which the EV will participate or engage in while under OSU’s sponsorship. Requests for visiting scholars must be made to the Office of International Students and Scholars (ISS) at least 8-12 weeks in advance of the intended program start date. The hosting department must complete and submit to the Office of International Students and Scholars (ISS) the following:
- DS-2019 Request Form
- Scholar’s resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Copy of the visitor’s passport (when available)
- Proof of financial support
- Copy of Invitation letter outlining terms and conditions
Upon receiving this request, ISS reviews the request to verify the visitor’s credentials, program activities and funding levels meet the requirements for the proposed category of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program sponsored by Oklahoma State University. The Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) at OSU will then issue a DS-2019 form and send it to the exchange visitor so s/he may begin the process of applying for a visa to enter the USA.
In all cases, those invited to come to the United States as Exchange Visitors will:
- Meet program criteria for participation
- Hold a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) status, known as the DS-2019 Form. This form is issued by your sponsor for specific program activities.
- Pay the SEVIS fee and become registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a large database accessed by program sponsors, the US Department of State and the US Department of Homeland Security.
- Follow procedures, pay required fees and go through application process and interviews at a US Embassy or Consulate to successfully obtain a J-1 visa to enter the USA.
- Enter the USA successfully by being issued a “J-1” stamp at port of entry.
- Register with program sponsor upon arrival and continue to follow guidelines for maintaining Exchange Visitor status to avoid violating immigration regulations.