J-1 Exchange Visitors

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) oversees the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP), established under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (the Fulbright-Hays Act). This act aims to foster “mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries” through educational and cultural exchange. The EVP allows foreign nationals to engage in exchange experiences in the U.S., after which they return to their home countries to share what they’ve learned.

As a designated EVP sponsor, Texas Christian University (TCU) facilitates these opportunities and supports the international community by offering immigration advising, assistance, and resources.

Note: The ISO serves as your liaison with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State (DOS). We do not work for either of these agencies or any other part of the U.S. government. Our main goal is to provide you with as much assistance as possible. However, it is ultimately your responsibility to maintain your legal immigration status. If you have any questions or face any challenges, please schedule an appointment with an ISSS adviser at your earliest convenience.

Texas Christian University (TCU) serves as a J-1 Program Sponsor, facilitating J-1 Exchange Visitors’ participation in academic and cross-cultural activities across our U.S. campuses and the International Services Office (ISO) is happy to partner with our internal stakeholders to host and welcome new international faculty and scholars to TCU!. For further details about the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, please refer to the information provided in the pages below. The Department of State mandates that all J-1 Exchange Visitors review the Welcome Brochure.

J-1 Visa Sponsorship Process

J-1 Categories

Preparing for Arrival

This section contains essential information about the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program for current J-1 scholars who have arrived in the U.S. and hold active appointments at TCU

Maintaining J-1 Scholar Status

Health Insurance Requirements

Bars on Repeat Participation

Section 212(e): The Two Year Home Residency Requirement

Incidental Activities

Dependents

Changes to Your Current Immigration Status or Category