J-1 Exchange Visitors Transferring to UW

J-1 Exchange Visitor Transfers

An exchange visitor may transfer from one program sponsor to another if the purpose of the transfer is to complete the objectives for which the original Form DS-2019 was issued and the J-1 visa was approved, and if the exchange visitor remains within the same J-1 category.

 

NOTE: Change of category can be approved at the discretion of the US Department of State if the new category is “closely consistent with and closely related to the participant’s original exchange objective, and necessary due to unusual of exceptional circumstances”. The change of category application would be submitted to USCIS after the Exchange Visitor has begun their appointment at UW.

 

The Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible Officer (RO/ARO) at the current institution, usually in the international office, must review the proposed appointment at UW and determine that:

  • The transfer is consistent with the goals of the exchange visitor program;
  • The Exchange Visitor is currently in valid program status;
  • The Exchange Visitor’s SEVIS record is in Active status; and
  • The transfer will not extend the exchange visitor’s stay beyond the maximum duration for the category

 

The Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible Officer at UW (ISS staff) must:

  • Verify the exchange visitor’s visa status and program eligibility by reviewing the Request to Sponsor a J-1 Exchange Visitor at UW submitted online by the sponsoring UW faculty;
  • Receive written approval for the transfer from the RO/ARO at the current institution, usually via email;
  • Coordinate the transfer release date for the J-1 record with the RO/ARO at the current institution;
  • Upon receipt of the J-1 record, issue the updated Form DS-2019 containing UW J-1 appointment information and provide Exchange Visitor with information regarding UW check-in processes and other helpful information.

 

How to Transfer a J-1 Exchange Visitor to UW:

1. Ensure Exchange Visitor Meets Eligibility Requirements

  • Complete Steps 1-3 in the “Sponsoring a J-1 Exchange Visitor” section of the ISS Department Resources page and confirm the current J-1 category with the Exchange Visitor.

 

2. Facilitate Transfer Approval from Current Program Sponsor

  • Provide the Exchange Visitor with a description of their intended appointment at UW including intended J-1 category, program objectives, UW start and end dates, UW J-1 Program Number (P-1-03777), and UW ISS email (uwglobal@uwyo.edu);
  • Exchange Visitor must consult with their current RO/ARO for transfer approval via email or letter containing transfer approval, confirmation of intended J-1 record transfer date (must be same as UW start/hiring date), and RO/ARO email and phone number;
  • Provide transfer approval email or letter to ISS with additional documents for review (next step).

 

3. Collect Documents and Submit Request to ISS for Review