Scholars

Scholar Application

Scholar Requirements

The scholar application is an online request process involving both the sponsoring department and the incoming exchange visitor.  

Your first step to becoming a J-1 scholar at USF is to be invited by a department sponsor. This application process is first initiated by your department sponsor in iStart. 

You will need to provide: 

  1. Copies of current passport biographical page for self and any accompanying dependents. 
  2. Verify English Language proficiency per US Department of State guidelines and USF Protocol. See Scholar English Proficiency Requirements for details. 
  3. Proof of funding such as: scholarship letter, home institution funding letter, USF offer letter, or personal/family bank statement. 
  4. CV or detailed resume 
  5. Proof of their highest degree level (This is normally a copy of diploma or transcripts – translated into English) 
  6. Copy of the department invitation letter. 
  7. If currently  inside the U.S., please provide a current visa stamp, I-94, and DS-2019’s OR If spent time as a J-1 in the past, all previous DS-2019’s  

OIS issues a DS-2019 within 10 business days of submission of a complete and correct online J-1 Scholar Application. After receiving your DS-2019 from USF, it is time to prepare to come to the Tampa Bay area. OIS sends the DS-2019 electronically directly to the scholar.

Dependents

Accompanying dependents are defined by immigration as spouse and children under 21 years of age.  If the dependents will live with the scholar for the majority of their stay at USF, they can come as J-2. The scholar provides an additional $5000 in funding per year for each dependent and purchases health insurance for all dependents for the duration of the scholar’s stay even if the dependents travel back and forth. 

If the dependents plan to visit for a short time or make several short visits, the scholar should consider using the visitor visa program for the dependents. 

Get Your J-1 Visa or Transfer J Status to USF

If you are outside the US:
  • Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
  • Make an appointment for a J-1 visa at a US Embassy or Consulate.
  • After receiving the visa stamp in your passport, make arrangements to arrive in Florida. 
    • Tampa International Airport is the closest airport.
  • You and any J-2 dependents may enter the US up to thirty (30) days before program start date on the DS-2019.
If you are inside the US:
  • OIS will work with your J-1 program sponsor to arrange transfer of your SEVIS record to USF. 
  • Your category, subject/field code, and program objective cannot change. 
  • USF cannot produce the final DS-2019 until you arrive at USF.

View the department sponsor application steps.