Obtaining the Form DS-2019 for Scholars

Documentation evidencing financial support for the duration of your stay in the U.S. You will need to show that you have financial resources of at least $2,000 per month for yourself and $650.00 per month for an accompanying spouse/child (under 18).These funds must be liquid assets. If you are receiving funding from your home country, university or an external organization you must provide a letter from the organization detailing the support.

Acceptable documents can include a copy of the Montclair State University offer letter, bank statements in English in U.S. dollars on the financial institution’s letterhead, and/or letters in English from sponsoring institutions specifying sponsorship amount, on that institution’s letterhead with their official seal.

Meet the university’s English proficiency requirement below (exceptions may be made if you are a native speaker or received a degree from an English-speaking country):

Note that, per federal regulations: “A prospective exchange visitor must have sufficient proficiency in the English language to undertake the anticipated program successfully. Participants may not avoid the English language requirement by claiming that their site of activity offers a work environment in their native language.”

• TOEFL iBT minimum score – 70
• IELTS minimum score – 6.0
• Duolingo minimum score – 95
• Pearson PTE-A minimum score – 48
• ITEP minimum score – 3.7
• English3 J-1 English Interview minimum score – 3.0
• Language Certificate demonstrating B2 Level or higher based on the European Framework

Visiting scholars are required by the U.S. State Department to purchase medical insurance for themselves and any accompanying dependents. According to 22 CFR 62.14, all J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors are required to have and maintain health insurance that meets Department of State’s requirements. A summary of these insurance requirements is as follows:

1. Major medical benefits must be at least $100,000 for each accident or illness.
2. Repatriation of remains benefit must be at least $25,000.
3. Medical evacuation benefit must be at least $50,000.
4. The deductible for each accident or illness may not exceed $500.
5. Policy may not unreasonably exclude coverage for perils inherent to the activities of the exchange program.
6. Any policy, plan, or contract secured to fill the above requirements must, at a minimum, be:(1) Underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of “A¥” or above; a McGraw Hill Financial/Standard & Poor’s Claims-paying Ability rating of “A¥” or above; a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of “B+” or above; a Fitch Ratings, Inc. rating of “A¥” or above; a Moody’s Investor Services rating of “A3” or above; or such other rating as the Department of State may from time to time specify.

*If you have insurance from your home country: The Department of State’s language regarding insurance from home is quite vague: “The policy must be backed by the full faith and credit of your home country government”. This means that your home country insurance must fully cover all your health needs while you are in the United States. Most would not, so you should check this prior to your arrival.

* Insurance documents must be in English and US Dollars

Please note that U.S. government subsidized insurance cannot be used for the waiver.

BETiNS International Health and Travel

Compass Student and Exchange Visitor Insurance

Cultural Insurance Services International

Insubuy

International Student Protection

International Student Insurance

Seven Corners

WorldTrips 

Visiting scholars may bring their dependents. Dependents who are minors should be accompanied by another adult. Dependents will receive a J-2 visa. Accompanying spouses on a J-2 visa are permitted to work in the U.S. but must apply for an Employment Authorization Document.  Accompanying children on a J-2 visa can attend school.

Once you receive your DS-2019 then you will need to apply for a J-1 Visa.
1. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
2. Make a visa appointment