In addition to requirements stated for Students, Professor or Research Scholar, and Specialist, other determining factors will need to be met before a DS-2019 can be issued for a potential J-1 Exchange Visitor.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT: Adequate financial support while in the U.S. must be shown and documented before a DS-2019 can be issued to a potential J-1 Visitor. An exchange visitor must have at least $1200 per month in support while in the U.S. on the Exchange Program. The amount needed for dependents of J-1 visitors will be decided at the time of application. Proof of support (i.e. appointment letter from AAMU) must be attached to any request for DS-2019 or shown at time of orientation when the visitor arrives on the campus of AAMU.
MANDATORY INSURANCE REQUIREMENT: All exchange visitors and any accompanying dependents must have proof of health and accident insurance as required by the Department of State.
(a) Minimum Coverage - At a minimum insurance shall cover: (1) medical benefits of at least $50,000 per person per accident or illness; (2) repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500; and (3) expenses associated with medical evacuation in the amount of $10,000.
(b) Additional Terms - A policy secured to fulfill the insurance requirements shall not have a deductible that exceeds $500 per accident or illness, and must meet other standards specified in the regulations.
(c) Maintenance of Insurance - Exchange visitors must maintain the required insurance during the duration of their program.
TWO-YEAR HOME-COUNTRY PHYSICAL PRESENCE REQUIREMENT: Certain Exchange Visitor Program participants and family members must return home for at least two years after completing their educational or cultural program before they can change or adjust to certain non-immigrant or immigrant statuses. This requirement applies to those (1) whose exchange visitor program has been financed to some extent by the U.S. Government or their home country, (2) whose skills are needed by their home country as indicated in the Exchange Visitor Skills List, or (3) whose purpose in coming to the U.S. is to receive graduate medical education or training. Grounds for applying for a waiver of this requirement are limited.
TRANSFERS: The transfer of a participant from one program (sponsor) to another may be allowed at the discretion of the responsible officers and must be within the same category. The responsible officer here at AAMU will verify the participant's visa status and eligibility, issue a new Form DS-2019 reflecting the transfer, and will obtain the release of the participant from the current responsible officer, who indicates approval of the transfer by completing and signing block 8 of Form DS-2019. Transfers are not permitted in all categories, and a transfer does not extend the maximum duration of the program. Participants should address all inquiries regarding change of category to the responsible officer of their programs. [22 CFR 62.42]. To request a Transfer of Form DS-2019 for AAMU sponsorship please complete a Request for Transfer for J-1 Visa. Scholars or students wishing to transfer their program to another institution from Alabama A&M University should complete a Request to Transfer J-1 Sponsorship form.