The International Services Office (ISO) is happy to partner with our internal stakeholders to host and welcome new international faculty and scholars to TCU!
We have recently redesigned the J-1 sponsorship application process to increase transparency, efficiency, and support.
Overview
The J-1 visa is a temporary (nonimmigrant) visa intended for highly educated foreign professionals to collaborate, research, observe, consult, teach and train in specialty roles on the TCU campus. While requirements for each role may differ, all roles are supported through the ISO for visa regulations and compliance.
TCU is designated by the Department of State to sponsor the following categories:
- College and University Student (non-degree seeking and degree-seeking)
- Short-term Scholar
- Research Scholar
- Professor
For more information about the J-1 visa and the various categories, please explore the following websites:
J-1 Scholar Eligibility Requirements
Individuals invited to TCU to participate in scholarly research, teaching, or other academic activities may qualify for J-1 Exchange Visitor visa sponsorship.
The International Services Office (ISO) facilitates immigration sponsorship for individuals who have received a formal invitation from a designated TCU department. In partnership with the hosting department, the ISO evaluates eligibility for the J-1 Exchange Visitor status based on the appointment title, proposed activities, and additional criteria.
Eligibility criteria include:
- A full-time academic appointment (part-time positions are not eligible)
- A temporary position (non-tenure-track)
Individuals with appointments that qualify for one of the eligible J-1 scholar categories must also meet the following additional J-1 requirements:
- Must be able to meet J-1 Funding Requirements
- Must demonstrate sufficient English Language Proficiency
- English proficiency is required for all J-1 visa categories. English ability must be sufficient to function on a day-to-day basis both on campus at TCU and off-campus. English language proficiency can be verified by a documented sponsor-conducted interview, with a recognized English language test, or signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school.
- Must provide information about previously held U.S. immigration statuses (if applicable)
J-1 Request Process Timeline
Application
Please complete the New Scholar Application and send the all required documents from the document checklist to internationalservices@tcu.edu
J-1 Scholar Application Form
J-1 Scholar VRFC Form
J-1 Scholar Application Document Checklist
Note: The hosting department must obtain approval from the Office of the Provost by completing and submitting this form to their office prior to submission with the ISO.
Next Steps
After your department submits an application for J-1 sponsorship to the ISO, please allow 5 business days for the ISO to review the application. After thorough review, an ISO advisor will contact you to request follow-up information, if necessary, or initiate the next steps of the process. Once the DS-2019 has been issued, the hosting department will be notified to come pick up the DS-2019 from the ISO.
Processing Times
The J-1 exchange visitor visa application process can take time. The overall process itself involves the ISO, the academic department, the prospective exchange visitor and the U.S. embassy in their home country. Minimum lead time is two (2) months prior to the start date listed on the J-1 sponsorship application.
The TCU host department must submit all requested materials to the ISO at least three (3) months before the requested employment start date. ISO processing can take up to 5 business days, barring delays caused by missing documentation or extensive follow-up.
Government Processing Times:
U.S. Department of State Embassies
Estimated wait times at U.S. Embassies