Information for Departments

Inviting a Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar or Professor

DS-2019 Application Packet. Complete and submit a DS-2019 Application Packet.  The first few pages must be completed and signed by the Exchange Visitor.  The subsequent pages must be completed by the sponsoring department and must be signed by the faculty, department chair and dean’s office.  Except in extreme situations, allow several months from the submission of the request documents to the start date of the program.

Verification of Funding. Along with the DS-2019 Request Forms, please submit verification of funding.  The funding information provided here will appear on the DS-2019 and will be a determining factor in whether a visa is actually issued by a US Embassy or Consulate official.  It is therefore important that this information be accurate.  The University may be held liable for statements made about UW scholarships and salaries.  ISS must receive proof of at least $1500 in funding per month. Regarding dependents, the prospective exchange visitor must demonstrate at least $500 per month for the first dependent and an additional $325 per month for each additional dependent. Please note that any incoming exchange visitors and dependents (spouse or children) will also need to have health insurance that meets federal minimum requirements.  These costs are in addition to the minimum amount of funding required per month.

• If the department is providing the salary, the signed DS-2019 Application Packet forms suffice.
• If the Exchange Visitor is being funded from another source (home university, home government, etc.) then they must submit a letter from the source, in English, documenting the amount of the funding and the dates the funding will be available.
• If personal or family funds will be used, please provide the bank statements or a letter from the bank, in English.

Proof of English Proficiency.  Per regulations from the Department of State, the department must also verify that the exchange visitor has “sufficient proficiency in the English language, as determined by an objective measurement of English language proficiency, successfully to participate in his or her program and to function on a day-to-day basis.”  There are several approved methods to provide such evidence of English proficiency. A list of acceptable proof of English proficiency can be found in the DS-2019 Request Form.

Passport. Please provide (if possible) a copy of the passport identity page for the Exchange Visitor and any accompanying dependents.

 

Continuing Responsibilities of the Department Once the DS-2019 is Issued

1. To let ISS know if there are any delays in the arrival of the Exchange Visitor.
2. To send the Exchange Visitor to ISS with their passport and immigration documents, including dependent information if appropriate, immediately after their arrival in Laramie so that we can verify the individual's immigration status and record required information in our files and in SEVIS.
3. If necessary, apply for an extension of the Exchange Visitor's stay with sufficient time for the new document to be completed before the completion of the first document.  The original program objective must be the same for an extension to be granted.  The appointee’s supervisor must simply write a letter providing detailed information regarding the dates of the extension and the financial support of the appointee.
4. Report to ISS when the individual terminates work/research here, providing us with the date of the individual's departure from Laramie, the date of departure from the US if applicable, and/or where they are going in the US and for what purpose.  This report of termination is especially important in view of the extended stays that can be authorized for Exchange Visitors.