Office of International Programs

Appalachian is required by federal immigration regulations to provide an orientation for all new J-1 Exchange Visitors. ISSSO will conduct one orientation session each spring and fall semester. It is your responsibility to ensure that your J-1 Exchange Visitor is present at the orientation session.

Each Exchange Visitor that is being paid by Appalachian is required to complete an I-9 form and other required paperwork with Human Resources upon arrival. Please make arrangements for your Exchange Visitor to meet with staff member at HR as early as possible. Please make sure that they bring the following documents to this meeting:

• Form DS-2019
• Passport
• Print out of I-94
• Voided check and information to set up direct deposit

All J-1 Exchange Visitors are required by federal immigration regulations to physically check in with an approved staff member of our office upon arrival. Please work with your faculty host to schedule a time as soon as possible, and bring the following documents and information to the appointment:

Airport Pickup

It is your responsibility to arrange transportation to and from a nearby airport to Boone. If you or one of your colleagues is unable to meet the J-1 Exchange Visitor in person, please contact ISSSO for information about other transportation services available. 

All J-1 Exchange Visitors and J-2 dependents are required by federal regulations to maintain health insurance for the entire duration of their J-1 Exchange Visitor Program that meets the following requirements:

Contracts for J-1 Exchange Visitors

Departments who wish to host a J-1 Exchange Visitor must fully complete and submit the appropriate request form AND all required supporting documents at least three months in advance of the Exchange Visitor’s proposed start date at Appalachian.

A prospective J-1 Exchange Visitor in one of the aforementioned categories must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

There are several different categories of Exchange Visitors that Appalachian is approved to sponsor. ISSSO will work with the hosting department and Exchange Visitor to determine the most appropriate category.

Professor - Individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at a post-secondary accredited educational institution, museum, library, or similar type of institution. A professor may also conduct research. Professors are required stay in the U.S for a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum stay of up to 5 years.

Exchange student who do not hold a U.S. passport will receive a DS-2019 from the Office of International Education and Development or from their sponsoring organization, such as ISEP.  Students should use this DS-2019 to apply for a J Student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. 

For more information about J-1 Visas for exchange students, read the international student handbook.