Additional Information for International Research Scholars (J-1)
Financial Support: The minimum amount of monthly financial support (net income) for a single person is estimated is $1,800 per month. For a married couple the amount is $2,100 per month. Add an additional $800 per month for each child. These figures represent the bare minimum and are not appropriate for short term scholars whose cost of housing will be higher than that of a long term research scholar. Monthly charges for health coverage could range from $60 to $135 per month for a family.
Hosting: The research scholar’s adjustment will be aided if he or she understands before arrival the extent to which the academic department can offer office and laboratory space, equipment, secretarial support and the inviting professor’s time. Your assistance in helping make the researcher feel at home in Storrs and at UConn will contribute to the success of their visit.
Medical Insurance: Health insurance is MANDATORY! Research
Scholars and any accompanying dependent(s) are required to have medical insurance
by U.S. law. Many researchers with full-time academic appointments for at least
one semester, are able to join the UConn medical insurance plan, but many have
to pay for it themselves. The DISP department recommends the Bailey Agency for
almost all of your medical needs: They can be found at the following website: www.baileyagencies.com.
English Language Ability: Unlike International Students, English proficiency for Research Scholars is not required. Contact the DISP department for more information about English language classes. You may also want to visit the UCAELI Office at UConn for more information about English language classes. www.ucaeli.uconn.edu/english
Travel Plans: A Research Scholar’s authorized stay in the U.S. is limited to the dates entered on the DS-2019 form. Entry into the U.S. is permitted two weeks before the initial start date and 30 days after the initial start date on the DS-2019 form. Failure to arrive in the U.S. in a timely manner, will result in having to update evidence of financial support as well as request a revised Research Scholar request form. Research Scholars wanting to temporarily travel outside of the U.S. during the term of their valid DS 2019 form, will need to obtain a travel signature from the DISP office. Please allow at least two weeks for all documents which need DISP authorization and/or revision.
Off-Campus Employment, Consulting or Lecturing: Research Scholars are limited by government regulations to the academic employment in their sponsoring department at UConn. Occasional lecturing or consulting at other non-profit institutions may be allowed by the U.S. Please contact the DISP office with any questions related to this topic.
Employment of Dependents: J-2 visa holders (dependents) may request employment authorization from the Department of State after entering the U.S. The DISP office can assist you with the application process. Please call to schedule an advisory appointment.
Federal and State Income Taxes: If your researcher receives any payment while in the U.S. by either payroll or voucher, taxes will be due. Certain researchers may benefit from a tax treaty. Encourage your researcher to determine their tax status by contacting the UConn Payroll Office (6-0962) as soon as possible after their arrival to Storrs. In general, Internationals earning any money in the U.S. must file a tax return even if their earnings are below the minimum established annually by the IRS or if they are beneficiaries of a tax treaty.
Academic Appointment Regulations: UConn has additional regulations regarding the appointment and hiring of Internationals. These may vary slightly depending upon the college. Contact your Department head if you have any questions regarding the qualifications of a prospective research scholar.
“New” 5-Year Rule/24 Month Bar for J-1 Exchange Visitors Visas for Professor/Research Scholar Categories:
5-Year Rule:
The maximum period of participation for J Professors and Researchers Scholars has been increased from three years to five years. The five-year period is not an aggregate of five years. It is a continuous five-year period given to a participant on a “use or lose” basis. The period of participation is a five-year period, which starts from the program begin date on the DS-2019 form. The extension process will remain the same at DISP by completing the Extension/Departure notice available on the DISP website: www.disp.uconn.edu
24 Month Bar:
A new 24-month (two year) bar on repeat participation in the J Professor or Research Scholar categories will apply to those who complete their program participation.
This means that any scholar that comes to the U.S. for any length of time in the Professor or Research Scholar category will not be able to come back to the U.S. in the J Professor or Research Scholar category for a period of two years.
For more details on these rulings please check the DISP website at www.disp.uconn.edu
DISP 201 Rev. 1/4/2008
This form is used to notify the DISP office of the initial appointment of the J research scholar and request that a visa document be prepared for the individual.
* Effective September 1, 2004, applicants for J-1 visas must pay the $100 SEVIS Fee. (www.fmjfee.com) This fee must be paid prior to applying for a U.S. visa and can either be paid by the individual or a third party on behalf of the individual scholar.*