The information is for an academic department that wishes to invite an international scholar to conduct research or teach at UCI. Below are the steps for inviting a new scholar to UCI.
Processing Timeline
UCI Departments should allow at least 60 days to 90 days between submission of the DS-2019 request to the International Center and the anticipated start date of the Exchange Visitor’s program. This allows for DS-2019 document issuance, SEVIS fee payment, visa application, visa processing–including any required background checks, and travel arrangements.
All J-1 initial requests must be submitted to the International Center through the Scholar Upload Tool. Please login with your UCInetID and follow the instructions to upload a complete J-1 initial request packet. The general processing time for a new DS-2019 visa document is 15 business days from the time a complete request is submitted to the International Center. IC Scholar Advising staff will notify the UCI host department and scholar by email once the UCI DS-2019 document is available.
Documents to Prepare for the International Center
| Form | Required Supporting Information/Documents: | Completed By: |
|---|---|---|
| Deemed Export Certification | • Deemed Export Questionnaire signed by an export control staff in the Office of Research • Visit UCI Office of Research’s website on foreign nationals and deemed exports for more information | Department |
| Copy of Invitation/Offer Letter | • Academic Appointment Title • Dates of Appointment • Department Contact Person and Information • Job Responsibilities • Number of Working Hours • Wages and Compensation (if none, list that no compensation will be offered) • Health Insurance Coverage (if none, list that health insurance is not provided) • Department Fees (if none, list that no additional fees will be charged to scholar) | Department |
| J-1 Scholar DS-2019 Document Request | • Passport Biographical Page • Financial Documentation (if applicable) • Dependent Request (if applicable) • Scholar Transfer-In Request (if applicable) | Scholar |
| Initial DS-2019 Document Request | • UCI Academic Personnel Appointment Form For example: UCI-AP-RA1, UCI-AP-VS1, UCI-AP-PX1, etc. | Department |
| J-1 Physician Form | Required only if scholar is an Medical Doctor (M.D.) | Department and Scholar |
| English Language Proficiency Certification | Department will attest that the J-1 scholar is proficient in the English language. | Department |
| Scholar Recharge | Department | |
| Receiving DS-2019 Document | New UCI DS-2019 document will be electronically sent to J-1 Scholar via DocuSign • International Center will digitally sign and electronically send new DS-2019 to J-1 Scholar via DocuSign • UCI Department will also be notified once DS-2019 is available • J-1 Scholar will need to print a paper form of DS-2019 and sign with a pen |