Affidavit & Agreement for J-1 Exchange Visitor Sponsorship

Transcription

1 UAMS HUMAN RESOURCES Office of Immigration Services 4301 West Markham # 564 Little Rock, AR (501) Fax (501) hr.uams.edu/immigration Affidavit & Agreement for J1 Exchange Visitor Sponsorship OVERVIEW OF J1 VISA The J1 category is for persons who are coming to the U.S. for a shortterm program in a variety of areas, such as study, longterm research, shortterm research, teaching, or training. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences authorizes documents only for research scholars and shortterm scholars. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) DS2019 is the document issued by the Immigration Services Office to any person approved by UAMS for a J1 program. The J1 Exchange Visitor program is a temporary program, and JVisa holders should have no immigrant intent. This visa category should not be used by departments or internationals for permanent employment positions or to seek Permanent Residency in the United States. The J1 Exchange Visitor classification authorized by I.N.A. 101(a)(15)(J) was developed to implement the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (FulbrightHayes Act) of 1961 [Public Law 87256, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2451, et seq.]. The overall purpose of that Act and the objective of the Exchange Visitor classification is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL J1 EXCHANGE VISITORS There are a few basic requirements for all J1 Exchange Visitors: Intent to pursue appropriate activity (such as research or teaching) Intent to return to home country (as determined by consular officer) Sufficient funding for program minimum $1500/month for the scholar, and an additional $300/month for each dependent Appropriate background for program activity (i.e. the J1 Visitor meets appropriate degree requirements) Adequate English proficiency (as determined by the host department; see English Proficiency Requirement on Page 3) LIMITATIONS ON DURATION OF PROGRAM J1 Research Scholar/Professor Definition of Research scholar: A foreign national whose primary purpose is conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project at research institutions, corporate research facilities, museums, libraries, postsecondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions. A research scholar also may teach or lecture where authorized by the sponsor. Limited to a maximum stay of 5 years to engage in research and/or teaching J1 Research Scholars/Professors may NOT hold or be candidates for tenure J1 ShortTerm Scholar Definition of Shortterm scholar: A foreign national who is a professor, research scholar, or person with similar education or accomplishments who enters the United States for a shortterm visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, postsecondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions. Limited strictly to 6 months; ShortTerm Scholars may NOT extend stay beyond 6 months 1

2 AFFIDAVIT & AGREEMENT FORM FOR J1 SPONSORSHIP (To be completed by the UAMS sponsoring department/pi) I,, (sponsor name), in the Department of (UAMS Dept. Name) have provided notice to the Business Administrator and other responsible parties in my Division or Department of my interest in sponsoring (exchange visitor name) as a J1 exchange visitor. Please read each section carefully. By initialing and signing this form, you agree that you have read and understood the requirements for sponsoring a J1 exchange visitor at UAMS, as outlined below. GENERAL SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES Sponsors are required to monitor their J1 exchange visitors welfare and progress to the extent appropriate for the category, and ensure that their activities are consistent with the category indicated on the Form DS2019. Sponsors are also to be updated with their exchange visitors most recent residence addresses and phone numbers. Sponsors are required to provide their J1 exchange visitors with emergency contact information. Please initial beside each statement. I will immediately notify the Immigration Services Office when the exchange visitor begins and ends his or her period of participation. I will immediately notify the Immigration Office if there are any changes to the information provided in this application. I will assume full responsibility for the exchange visitor and certify that all of the information provided in my application packet is true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that it will be my responsibility to deal with problems the visitor may encounter, including but not limited to financial matters, housing, insurance, extensions of the J1 program, and any issues, concerning family members of the visitor. MEDICAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENT Based on federal regulations that went into effect in May 2015, J1 Exchange Visitors must maintain the following minimum level of health insurance for themselves and any J2 dependents for the duration of their stay in the United States: Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000 Coverage for medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his/her home country in the amount of $50,000 A deductible which does not exceed $500 per accident or illness. J1 Exchange Visitors must provide proof of health insurance for themselves and any family members when they first arrive and report to the Immigration Services Office, and again if they later apply for an extension of their J1 status. J1 Exchange Visitors may purchase any plan that provides the minimum level of coverage listed above. Affidavit & Agreement for J1 Exchange Visitor Sponsorship 2

3 J1 ENGLISH PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATION In accordance with US Department of State Regulations, each J1 Exchange Visitor applicant must provide evidence of 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 daytoday basis." [22 CFR 62.10(a)(2)]. The proof of English proficiency includes: Evidence of a recognized English language test, such as the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Cambridge English Test, TOEIC or CEF, or Signed documentation from an academic institution, verifying that the scholar has sufficient language skills to function on a daytoday basis in the U.S. academic work environment, or A documented evaluation by the UAMS Sponsoring College/ Department to be conducted by video teleconference or phone. Proof of English Proficiency (Please check one): EV is exempt because he/she is a native English speaker or is a resident/citizen of a country where English is an official language. Official Test of English Language (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, EFSET, Cambridge English TEST) (please include copy/scan of test score/results, see the attachment for the score interpretation guide) Signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school verifying English proficiency required for successful participation (please include copy) Evaluation by the sponsoring UAMS College/Department: Evaluation date: Name of Evaluator Evaluation conducted by: teleconference (e.g. Skype) telephone other Does the sponsoring College/Department consider this scholar s English to be sufficient for the scholar s function on a daytoday basis? Yes No If no, Please contact us. Sponsoring Professor/Supervisor s name Date: Affidavit & Agreement for J1 Exchange Visitor Sponsorship 3

4 PATIENT CONTACT NOT ALLOWED J1 Exchange Visitors under the category of shortterm scholar or research scholar are mainly involved with observation, consultation, teaching or research, and are limited to activities involving no patient contact or incidental patient contact. J1 Exchange Visitors whose activities are involved with patient contact need to obtain a J1 visa under Alien Physicians category, which is processed through ECFMG. Does your exchange visitor hold a medical degree? YES Read and complete this section NO Skip to Certification below If the exchange visitor holds a U.S. or foreign medical degree, please read and initial by each the following clauses. The program in which the exchange visitor will participate is predominantly involved with teaching or research. Any incidental patient contact involving the exchange visitor will be under the direct supervision of a physician who is licensed to practice medicine in the State of Arkansas. The exchange visitor will not be given any responsibility for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Any activities of the exchange visitor will conform fully with the State licensing requirements, and UAMS policy. Any experience gained in this program will not be creditable towards any clinical requirements for medical specialty board certification. The exchange visitor will not be here to participate in a residency program (intern, resident, or fellow) and will therefore, not be eligible for house staff malpractice coverage or any other benefits available to house staff. I certify that the exchange visitor will work directly under my supervision CERTIFICATION BY UAMS SPONSORING DEPARTMENT **If this exchange visitor is paidi have discussed with said Business Administrator and other responsible parties in my Division/Department about the availability of a paid position for this exchange visitor and understand that upon entry this exchange visitor will immediately apply for a social security number and be placed in that position immediately after receiving his or her social security number. I further understand that it is my responsibility and the sponsoring Division/Department to provide any and all assistance to the exchange visitor in acclimating him/her to UAMS and the Little Rock area as outlined in this document. By signing below, I certify that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the conditions and responsibilities of the J 1 Exchange Visitor Program. Additionally, I understand the requirements outlined in the Affidavit and Agreement for J1 Exchange Visitor Sponsorship. I further understand that, should the Immigration Office determine I did not comply with the requirements outlined in these documents, my ability to sponsor future exchange visitors in the UAMS Exchange Visitor program may be revoked. Sponsor/PI Printed Name: Signature: Department Business/HR Administrator Printed Name: Signature: Date: Date: Affidavit & Agreement for J1 Exchange Visitor Sponsorship 4

5 Attachment: Score interpretation guide 1. TOEFL Scores_USA Universities: 2. IELTS Scores for US Universities: 3. The Cambridge English Scales for Institutions:

6 EFSET SCORE INTERPRETATION GUIDE About the EFSET The EFSET (EF Standard English Test) is an accurate and reliable English test available online for free. EF Education First developed the test with top experts in English assessment and certification. The EFSET tests reading and listening skills. The scores from the reading and listening sections will be averaged to provide a final result on a scale from Valid and Reliable Scores The EFSET tests have been validated with hundreds thousands of English learners from all over the world. Our independent correlation study shows that the test reliability is on par or better than expensive certifications like TOEFL or IELTS. Please refer for more information. EFSET Score Level CEFR TOEFL* IELTS** 1 30 Beginner A Elementary A Intermediate B Upper Intermediate B Advanced C Proficient C * ** Note: The comparison between TOEFL/IELTS and EFSET scores is indirect (using the CEFR as the main scale for these comparisons). The description of each level is subsumed in the next level up. For example, if someone achieves an Intermediate level, this person can do what is described for Beginner and Elementary levels.

7 EFSET Score Proficient Can understand and communicate with ease, spontaneity and precision for virtually all types of written and spoken forms of English. Ulysses, Alice in Wonderland, Hunger Games, Game of Thrones and Romeo and Juliet just a short list of books and films you can read and watch in English, whenever you want to with ease! Advanced Can infer implicit meaning and use English flexibly in social and professional settings. How would you define success? Is it possible to find enormous satisfaction in what you do, even if it is not directly related to saving lives? In today s lecture on happiness at work, we explore differences in attitude about work and satisfaction in Brazil, Germany and Japan Upper Intermediate Intermediate Elementary 0 30 Beginner Can interpret and produce complex information of both concrete and abstract topics in English. A limerick is a form of poetry, especially one in five lines, with a strict rhyme scheme (AABBA), which is sometimes obscene with humorous intent. The first, second and fifth lines are usually longer than the third and fourth. Can deal with familiar situations frequently encountered in work and life in English. Could we please get a conference call set up between our partners in China and the United Kingdom before noon today? We need to discuss how the latest foreign exchange rate impacts our deal. Can understand and interact specific information in advertisements menus, and understand high frequency vocabulary. This recipe is ideal for two people looking for a vegetarian dinner. You will need two tomatoes, 1 onion, 1 lemon and 2 table spoons of olive oil. Can understand and communicate simple basic phrases My name is Alessandro and I am from Italy. Nice to meet you. 0