J-1 Advising for Beginners

Audience: International student advisers working with an existing J-1 program.

This workshop is designed for beginners with less than 18 months experience in the field. Through various activities, participants will learn about the parties involved in Exchange Visitor programs, making decisions about J-1 issues, use of SEVIS, J-1 categories, regulations governing program sponsors, pre-arrival processes, health insurance, orientation for Exchange Visitors, the two-year home residence requirement, bar to participation as a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor, and ongoing processes for Exchange Visitors. This workshop does not cover requirements specific to trainee, high school or graduate medical education categories, nor does it cover the procedures to obtain an exchange visitor program designation.

Workshop Objectives

• Summarize the purpose of the Exchange Visitor program, and describe its principal characteristics
• Acquire basic knowledge of your responsibilities and how to carry them out
• Learn strategies for approaching issues/problems/situations
• Learn how to navigate SEVIS
• Gain confidence in being a J-1 Advisor
• Identify resources to help with J Programs