UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL CENTER’S J EXCHANGE VISITOR’S PROGRAM

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDAINTERNATIONAL CENTER’SJ EXCHANGE VISITOR’S PROGRAM For Professors, Research Scholars and Short Term Scholars

Michael SmithProgram Assistant – ARO(352)-273-1511msmith@ufic.ufl.edu Scott DavisProgram Assistant – ARO(352)-273-1527sdavis@ufic.ufl.edu Adam GreenfieldAssistant Director - ARO (352) 273-1513 agreen@ufic.ufl.eduMichal KatzEVS Clerk(352) 273-1511mkatz@ufic.ufl.edu EXCHANGE VISITOR SERVICES(EVS)http://www.ufic.ufl.edu/evs.html EVS Staff Lyn Straka EVS Director and Exchange Coordinator (352) 273-1510 lstraka@ufic.ufl.edu University of Florida International Center 190 Hub, Gainesville, FL 32611 352.392.5323

J-1 PROGRAM FOR PROFESSORS, RESEARCH SCHOLARS, & SHORT-TERM SCHOLARS • The primary purpose of the J-1 exchange visitor program under law is to foster an exchange of ideas between Americans and foreign nationals and to stimulate international collaborative teaching and research efforts. The exchange of research scholars and professors promotes interchange, mutual enrichment, and linkages between research and educational institutions in the U.S. and those of other countries. For more information on the J Exchange Visitor status please visit: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html • The University of Florida is an official Program Sponsor designated by the Department of State to administer J-1 Exchange Visitor programs at UF. The International Center is charged with the responsibility to administer these programs. • The EVS section of the International Center has the responsibility to provide accurate and complete information, to the extent lawfully permitted, to the Department of State regarding their exchange visitor program and exchange visitors.

The Three Categories • The University of Florida sponsors three categories for research and teaching activities: • Professor : An individual primarily engaged in teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting. A professor may also conduct research. The exchange visitor cannot be a candidate for a tenure-accruing position. Program period up to five years. • Research Scholar: An individual primarily conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research program. A research scholar may also teach or lecture. Program period up to five years. • Short-term Scholar: An individual engaged in conducting research, observing, consulting, teaching, training, or lecturing for a period of six months or less.

National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) • Non-immigrants from certain countries, as well as other individuals whom the Attorney General or the Department of State (DOS) designate on a discretionary basis, are registered upon entry to the United States under "special registration" procedures, as part of the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). Please refer to the link above for more information on the NSEERS registration requirements. • An individual who has been registered in NSEERS at the port of entry upon admission to the United States must: • Provide information requested by the immigration inspectors, and be fingerprinted and photographed; • Inform Department of Homeland Security (DHS) within 10 days of any change of address, change of employer or change of school, on Form AR -11SR; • Depart the United States from an officially-designated port of departure only, and report to a DHS officer at such airport prior to departure, on the day of departure; and • Respond to any notice received from DHS that instructs the individual to report to DHS for an interview (these notices are sent only on an individual, case-by-case basis). • Individuals subject to Special Registration should be given: • An I-94 with an FIN (Fingerprint Identification Number) recorded on it; and • A Walk away Materials packet at the POE, explaining their obligations under Special Registration, and listing the ports of departure that must be used when departing the United States.

Program Termination, Compliance and Regulation • Exchange visitors who fail to comply with the J-1 regulations are subject to termination from their J-1 program. Termination removes the exchange visitor from a valid nonimmigrant status and subjects the visitor to deportation regulations. Termination events can include: • Failure to conduct the activities posted on the DS-2019; • Violation of the regulations of the exchange visitor program and/or rules of the University of Florida; • Willful failure to maintain the mandatory exchange visitor and dependent (if applicable) insurance coverage requirements, and; • Engagement in unauthorized employment. • *Exchange visitors who are terminated are ineligible for an extension of stay or in-country change of status.*

Maintaining Status • Exchange visitors maintain their J-1 status by: • Obtaining validation of the SEVIS record after check-in is completed (must check in immediately after arriving ); • Retaining required documentation at all times: • Valid DS-2019 • Valid Passport • I-94 card marked “D/S” – Duration of Status – refers to program period listed under item 3 on DS-2019; • Engaging only in appropriate activities permitted under their program and category – specifically, the activity described in Section 4 on the DS2019. If the exchange visitor completes or ceases this activity, he/she should leave the U.S. within 30 days; • Refraining from unauthorized employment (any employment activity that is not included in Part 4 on the DS-2019 must be approved in writing by EVS before the activity begins); • Maintaining required health insurance coverage for the entire program period specified on the Form DS-2019. Detailed information may be obtained at Insurance Information; • Reporting a change of address to USCIS, UF and EVS within 10 days of the move date (All non-immigrants must file an AR-11 either electronically or via mail with USCIS. UF exchange visitors should also visit www.my.ufl.edu to update their UF directory profile, and write to scholarinsurance@ufic.ufl.edu to request an update of their address in the EVS database; and • Filing timely and appropriate transfers and extension requests with the appropriate administrative staff member in the hiring department/center

Check-in with EVS • All exchange visitors are required to check in with EVS immediately after arriving in the U.S. Validation of the SEVIS record will only occur after check-in is completed. Check-in is conducted between the hours of 8AM and 5PM, Monday through Friday, if the exchange visitor has ALL required documents (must have appropriate verification of insurance coverage requirements ). • Documents required for check-in include: • J-1 Visa • Passport • I-94 card (front and back) • DS-2019 for J-1 and all accompanying J-2 dependents • Completed Faculty/Scholar Registration Form (front and back) , and • Proof of insurance coverage for exchange visitor and dependents that meets federal requirements as outlined in Insurance Information. For exchange visitors not located on the main campus of UF, check-in can be conducted via fax (352-392-6782) or scan and email of all required documents.

J1/J2 Mandatory Health Insurance • All exchange visitors, both J-1 principals and their J‐2 dependents, are required by the U.S. Government ([22 CFR 62.14]) to have Sickness and Accident insurance, and Medical Evacuation and Repatriation insurance meeting specific requirements (see Slide 10) in effect for the duration of their J status validity periods. • Please see the next slide for instructions on providing confirmation of insurance.

J1/J2 Mandatory Health Insurance, contd. EVS only accepts insurance plans which meet all the requirements. Acceptable proof of coverage will be determined by EVS staff ONLY. * It is your responsibility to maintain valid medical insurance coverage at ALL times (from the Start Date on your DS2019 until the end date on your DS2019). The required insurance coverage must be purchased for a minimum of a 90 day period. Exchange visitors who will hold J status for a period of less than 90 days may purchase insurance coverage on a month to month basis until the end of his or her program. A willful failure on the part of the exchange visitor to maintain effective insurance will result in termination of the visitor’s program. You can submit your documents prior to arrival for approval by emailing them to scholarinsurance@ufic.ufl.edu * You can purchase one of our pre-approved plans and submit the confirmation to our office. * If you do not, you must submit an Insurance Verification Form completed and signed by the company acknowledging that the policy meets all the requirements OR if the company will not sign the form we need a letter or Certificate in Englishfrom the company, addressing each requirement and verifying that your policy meets or exceeds them. Both documents should include a list of those covered and the effective (begin and end dates) dates of the policy.

Mandatory Health & Accident Insurance Requirements The Federal government has outlined the following requirements: 1. Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness;2. Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500;3. Medical Evacuation in the amount of $10,000;4. A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness (also may include a waiting period for pre‐existing conditions and 25% co‐payment);5. Policy shall not unreasonably exclude coverage for perils inherent to the activities of the Exchange Program in which the Exchange Visitor participates;6. Any insurance policy secured to fulfill these requirements must meet minimum Insurance Solvency ratingA) Underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of “A‐“ or above, an InsuranceSolvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A” or above, a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above; ORB) Backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country; ORC) Part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled students by adesignated sponsor; ORD) Offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or eligibleCompetitive Medical Plan (CMP) as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration of the US Department of Health and Human Services;7. Must be acceptable in all medical facilities.

Gator Link Account • GatorLink is an individual's computer network identity at the University of Florida. Every applicant, student, faculty and staff member is expected to have a GatorLink username and password. http://www.gatorlink.ufl.edu/. • A GatorLink account provides a username@ufl.edu e-mail address. Official university communications are sent to students at this email address. • GatorLink also offers access to a variety of campus computing services at no cost, in addition to fee-based services. GatorLink services include a free email inbox, free webspace and a monthly dialup quota at a minimal cost. Many campus services require a GatorLinksignon, including ISIS, WebCT, computer labs and network connections, print services, online training and the download of university- licensed software.

Gator 1 Card Services The Gator 1 Card is the official University of Florida picture ID card. It is required of all students, faculty, and staff. Many activities on campus are only available upon presentation of the Gator 1 Card. Gator 1 Central is located in Room G071 in the UF Bookstore & Welcome Center on Museum Road. Exchange visitors should ask the sponsoring department ‘s secretary or office manager to complete the ID Card Authorization form. Completed forms must have a customer code # or p-card checked (not both), or write "Employee will pay". The department must fax the form to 392-4156. Appointment may be made by calling (352) 273-5044. A picture ID must be presented to receive a Gator 1 ID Card. Shands & the Health Science Center Employees Shands and Health Science Center employees may obtain Gator 1 cards at the locations below: Shands HospitalEmployee Resource CenterRoom #10041600 SW Archer Road352-392-00437:30am - 4:30pm Health Science CenterBiomedical Media ServicesCommunicore Bldg, Rm C3-3 Please call for information and an appointment352-273-5044 http://www.gator1.ufl.edu/

Two Year Home Country 212(e) Regulation • Exchange visitors subject to the 212(e) rule requirement must return to their home country and reside in that country for two years before they become eligible for H, L, or permanent resident status. If subject to the 212(e) rule, exchange visitors are not permitted to change their nonimmigrant status within the United States from J to any other nonimmigrant category except A (diplomatic) and G (international organization) statuses. See link for more information: Two Year Home Country 212(e) regulation • Exchange visitors may be subject to this requirement if: • The exchange visitor’s skill category appears on the applicable country’s “list of skills” that are in critical demand. Listings of skill categories for applicable countries are located in the Federal Register: Revised Exchange-Visitor Skills List. ; and/or • The exchange visitor’s program is supported financially by a government or international agency. • U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General visa officers determine if an exchange visitor is subject to the 212(e) rule. Inquiries about applicability of the 212(e) rule should be addressed to a visa section representative at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General’s office: http://www.usembassy.gov/ • A waiver of the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement is possible: • Exchange visitors may apply for a waiver of the 212(e) requirement. Waivers are permitted by the Department of State and granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Faculty and Scholar Services considers compliance with the Home Country Presence Requirement the responsibility of the exchange visitor. EVS’ role in the waiver application process is limited to providing basic procedural information about the process.

Waiver Of 212(e) • A waiver of the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement (see link: Waiver of 212(e)) can be obtained by filing an I-612 with the USCIS for the following reasons: • Statement of no objection from the home country, • Interest of a U.S. government agency, • Exceptional hardship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or child of the exchange visitor, or • Persecution of the exchange visitor because of race, religion, or political opinion.

12-Month/24-Month Bar On Repeat Participation As A Professor Or Research Scholar 12-Month Bar on repeat participation as a Professor or Research Scholar (Previous Rule) • An exchange visitor who participates in a J program as a Professor or Research Scholar is barred from returning to the United States in the Professor or Research Scholar category for 1 year (12 months) immediately following the completion of their initial program (including J-2 dependents) before November 18, 2006. • An exchange visitor whose prior physical presence in J status was of less than six months duration is exempt from the 12-month bar. 24-Month Bar on repeat participation as a Professor or Research Scholar (Current Rule) • An exchange visitor who participates in a J program as a Professor or Research Scholar is barred from returning to the United States in the Professor or Research Scholar category for 2 years (24 months) immediately following the completion of their initial program (including J-2 dependents) . The effective date of this provision was November 18, 2006.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Program– J-2 Dependents • Exchange visitors with immediate family members (husband or wife and/or children under the age of 21) may be eligible to have those family members accompany them during their programs. • Dependents of J Exchange Visitors are granted J-2 status and are required to have a separate Form DS-2019 issued in order to apply for a J-2 visa stamp. • Dependents are required to carry health insurance meeting specific requirements as outlined in Insurance Information. • Dependents are eligible to apply for work authorization once they arrive in the US by filing an I-765 with the USCIS (the link provides filing instructions as well as the link to I-765 form).

J-1 Exchange Visitor Program– J-2 Dependents- continued • J-2 Dependents may not: • Remain in the U.S. during the period that the J-1 exchange visitor resides abroad if the period exceeds 30 days (Generally, absences for periods of 30 days or longer results a break in the continuity of status for the J-1 Exchange Visitor and therefore, may invalidate the J-2 status for family members) • Apply for work authorization to earn income that will support the J-1 exchange visitor • Remain in the U.S. as a J-2 child dependent after reaching the age of 21. • J-1 Exchange Visitors are not permitted to leave dependent family members in the U.S. during extended visits to their home countries. Generally, absences for periods of 30 days or longer results a break in the continuity of status for the J-1 Exchange Visitor and therefore, may invalidate the J-2 status for family members.

Social Security Numbers • J-1 exchange visitors who will be paid by University of Florida (who are receiving program sponsor funds, as indicated on the DS-2019) are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number. Professors, Research Scholars and Short Term scholars MUST wait at least 10 days after entering the U.S. before visiting the local SSA office or the social security card will be delayed. Exceptions: • Short term scholars who will earn income from UF and will reside in the U.S. for at least 15 days but not more than 29 days should not wait 10 days. They must visit the Social Security Office immediately after arriving in the U.S. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not issue a social security number to an individual who will not reside in the U.S. at least 14 days beyond the date that the application for a social security number is submitted to the SSA office.

Driver’s Licenses • DMVFlorida.org is your online guide to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. The Florida DMV can be very confusing. And it can be very difficult to find what you are looking for. Our mission is to make it easy for you to complete your Florida DMV needs online. • Common services provided by the DMV include drivers license renewal, license plate renewal, getting a learners permit, and finding a Florida department of Motor Vehicles approved traffic school. • DMV News - 12 Hour Traffic School now Online • 12 traffic school (ADI) now available online to help Habitual Traffic Offenders get a hardship license. • Florida Driving Records • Get official DMV driving records instantly • Learners Permit Online • Take your DATA course and DMV test online • Auto Insurance Center • Save your hard earned $$ Florida Approved Insurers • Traffic Ticket Options • Traffic School can protect your driving record

Early Departure • Exchange visitors who end their program more than 30 days prior to the end date on the DS-2019 and will not return to the U.S. must notify the sponsoring department/center. Then it is the department’s responsibility to submit the appropriate paperwork to EVS. • Please also send an email to evs@ufic.ufl.edu to notify our office of your departure.

Extension of Program • Extensions are obtained for exchange visitors through the sponsoring department/center. Proper paperwork must be submitted to EVS 30 days before the end date of the J program. • A professor or research scholar can be sponsored by UF for a maximum period of five years. For example, if the initial program is scheduled for a one year period, extensions of the program may be requested from EVS that total a period of five years. • A short-term scholar program is limited to 6 months in duration. Extensions are not granted beyond the 6 months maximum stay period.

Amendments to Program • Amendments to J Programs require submission of appropriate forms to EVS by the sponsoring department/center. Acceptable reasons for requesting an amendment include changes in the following J program characteristics: • Funding • Worksite Location • Supervisor • Department (change in activity is NOT permitted) – Department changes require prior EVS approval • Addition of J-2 dependent(s)does not require the signature of a department administrator; only requested information and appropriate funding verification is required

Transfers • Exchange visitors may continue their program objective under the sponsorship of another authorized sponsor in the U.S. by transferring their SEVIS records to a new program sponsor. • Requirements for transfer of program include: • Program sponsor is approved by Department of State (DOS) to sponsor the same J Exchange Visitor category; • Program objective/activity remains unchanged; • Period of program will not exceed maximum DOS established period; and, • J Exchange Visitor checks in with new sponsor immediately following transfer date. • An exchange visitor who desires to transfer his or her program must consult with the current faculty sponsor and ask the department to: • Complete appropriate Transfer In or Transfer Out form and include appropriate signatures • Submit Transfer Out Form to EVS no later than 30 days before desired transfer date • If transferring program to UF; Please submit Transfer In form to sponsoring department along with a copy of the current DS-2019.

Enrolling in Academic Courses • There is no regulatory prohibition on a J-1 Professor or Research Scholar enrolling in classes as long as: • the classes are incidental to his or her primary activity; • the Professor or Research Scholar continues to pursue the objectives for which he or she came; • the program continues to fulfill the objectives of the Professor or Research Scholar category; and, • the classes do not become the primary objective. • Consultation with a Faculty and Scholar Services staff member and a UF International Student Advisor should be undertaken before pursuing a degree program as this is considered a change in status. Visit http://www.ufic.ufl.edu/issstaff.htm for International Student Services contact information.

Enrolling in Academic Courses, contd. 1) J exchange visitors are permitted to enroll in a degree program, if this activity is verified as being "incidental study": If the beneficiaries maintain the requirements/objectives of their respective J programs and written verification of this maintenance is submitted in writing to EVS from the department/center sponsor or supervisor; and, 2) All J exchange visitors who enroll in courses at UF are required to meet the international student insurance coverage requirements and provide proof of this coverage to EVS before insurance holds are lifted. Please visit the ISS website concerning insurance: http://www.ufic.ufl.edu/issresources/insurance.htm

Traveling Abroad and Re-entering the U.S. • A DS-2019 travel signature issued by a Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (AR0) is required of exchange visitors who wish to travel outside of the U.S. Travel signatures can be obtained from EVS, during normal business hours. Proof of current health insurance is required before travel signatures are issued. • Travel to home country, with intent to return to the U.S., requires a valid passport and travel signature on the DS-2019 form. If the J visa stamp is expired, the exchange visitor must obtain a new visa stamp before entry to the U.S. will be granted. • Travel to a country abroad, other than the visitor’s home country, requires a valid passport and a travel signature on DS-2019 form. Exchange visitors should also contact the Consulate General’s office or Embassy of the country that will be visited for entry requirements and procedures.

Change of Address • Reporting a change of address to USCIS, UF and EVS within 10 days of the move date is Mandatory. • (All non-immigrants must file an AR-11 either electronically or via mail with USCIS. • UF exchange visitors should also visit www.my.ufl.edu to update their UF directory profile, and write to scholarinsurance@ufic.ufl.edu to request an update of their address in the EVS database

Bicycles Laws • Florida law defines a bicycle as a vehicle. Because of this status, bicyclists are subject to many of the same responsibilities as operators of motor vehicles and subject to the same citations and fines for violating traffic law. • --------------------------------------------http://www.dot.state.fl.us/safety-------------------------------------------- • The University of Florida Police Department enforces all the laws of the State of Florida. Because of the University of Florida's commitment to the safety of the University Police Department places a strong emphasis is placed on the enforcement of traffic laws including bicycle traffic regulations. If you ride a bicycle, you must be knowledgeable of the rules of the road and the traffic laws that govern the operation of your vehicle, the bicycle. • Traffic violators on bicycles are subject to the same fines as violators in automobiles, $123.50 for a moving violation, $188.50 for running a red light, $77.50 for a non-moving violation and $49.50 for a violation specific to bicycle operation.

Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP) • SNAP provides nightly escorts anywhere on campus to persons on request. The service is staffed by students equipped and supervised by the university police department. • Escorts are routed on foot and driven trips. A person requesting an escort may contact SNAP via telephone at 392-SNAP (392-7627). The requester provides their first name, location of pick-up and destination to the dispatcher who determines the best method of meeting the requester's need. A walking or driving escort is dispatched, to their location. Purpose and History • The Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP) was implemented in 1976 to provide safe, nighttime transportation on the University of Florida campus. The "buddy system" has long been recognized as a means of enhancing personal safety and security. SNAP provides an on-call "buddy" ready to escort university students, staff and visitors. • SNAP's funding comes from the Transportation fee generated from student tuition and the University Police Department. How to Use SNAP • An escort may be requested by calling 392-SNAP from 6:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. nightly. Your call will be received by the SNAP dispatcher who will ask for your first name, location and destination. The dispatcher will route the nearest escort to you or provide the location and time of the next SNAP express stop at your location. • Snap provides thousands of safe escorts each year. Plan ahead and contact SNAP prior to your desired departure time to reduce waiting time.

University Police / Public Safety Safety Tips and Information: • Welcome! Please visit the University of Florida Police Department’s web safety tips page. Please use the links provided below to access more information about the safety topics you are interested in. Keep in mind that these tips are by no means all-inclusive but should be used as a general guideline for evaluating your own safety and security in any given situation. http://www.police.ufl.edu/csd/csd_safetips.asp http://www.police.ufl.edu/csd/csd_psacpp.asp

Emergency Information 911 – Emergency Service You would dial 911 (from any phone or cell phone) in the case of an emergency for health, fire, safety, etc… Be sure to have the address or location you are calling about to provide to the operator. 911 will send an ambulance, police patrol car or fire truck (or any combination of these), depending on the nature of the situation.

Hospitals • Gainesville has two hospitals if you need to visit an Emergency Room without ambulance assistance: • Shands Hospital - http://www.shands.com/ 1600 SW Archer Rd Gainesville Florida 32610 (352) 273-8010 • North Florida Regional Medical Centerhttp://www.nfrmc.com/ 6500 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 333-4000

Walk-in Clinic Information(For check-ups, physicals, injuries (non-emergency),etc…) • Urgent Care Center of Gainesville 3925 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 371-1777 • First Care of Gainesville 4343 W Newberry Rd Ste 10, Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 373-2340 • Hampton Oaks Sports Medicine 200 SW 62nd Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 265-0645

Government Contact Information • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis • U.S. Embassies and Consulates • http://www.usembassy.gov • Department of State (DOS) http://www.state.gov/

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL CENTER’S J EXCHANGE VISITOR’S PROGRAM