J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholars

Note: All abbreviations are followed by "#" and are defined in the glossary. Additional information on forms (##) and I-9 verification (###) is also provided.

The J-1 classification is the one most commonly used at University of Connecticut. The Exchange Visitor Program was established after World War II to promote international educational exchange, and is currently under the jurisdiction of the USIA#. Its purpose is to bring scholars to the US temporarily for a specific educational objective, such as teaching, conducting research, studying etc. There is a separate category within the Exchange Visitor Program for each type of activity. All Exchange Visitors and their dependents are expected to return home after their program, and some are required to do so for a period of two years (see "special conditions" below). The J-1 categories of Research Scholar, Professor and Short Term Scholar are appropriate for visiting faculty and staff who clearly do not intend to remain in the US for more than the maximum of three years.

Please be advised J1 Exchange visitors are work authorized under certain circumstances.

A J1 visitor from another University must have permission from his authorizing University to be paid compensation for services from UCONN.

Type(s) of Payment: *Salary
*Fellowship or scholarship
*Payment for services
*Travel reimbursement
*Participant support

Length of Stay: *Research scholars and professors - minimum 15 days, maximum three years
*Short-term scholars - no minimum, maximum six months

Length of Time to Process: *Approximately one week for the Department to obtain form DS2019 from ISSS#
*One day to two weeks for the scholar to obtain the visa from the U.S. consulate
*Transfer within the U.S. takes about two additional weeks

Special Conditions: *Must be a temporary position
*Maximum stay of three years
*Some J-1s are subject to the two year home residence requirement, which bars them from changing to any other status while in the US, and from obtaining an H, L or immigrant visa outside the US. This applies if they:

1. Receive funding from their own government or ours;
2. Their country has a skills list that includes the activity in which they are engaged in here; or
3. They obtain graduate medical education under the sponsorship of the ECFMG#.

A waiver is possible in some instances, but it is particularly difficult in the cases of government funding and ECFMG# sponsorship.
*Change of category within J-1 program (student to scholar etc.) is generally not possible.
*Anyone who was in J status (J-1 or J-2) for more than 6 months during any part of the 12 months preceding a proposed entry as a J-1 Researcher or Professor is ineligible for J-1 status for a period of 12 months. This bar does not apply if the person was here as a Short-Term Scholar or if the person is transferring from another Exchange Visitor Program.
*All J-1s and dependents must have health insurance that meets USIA's# criteria.
*All J-1s must have sufficient command of the English language to achieve their program objectives.
*Foreign Medical Graduates who wish to pursue a residency or clinical fellowship must obtain ECFMG# sponsorship.

Required Documents Summary: *ISSS# Application Form for DS2019 and attachments.
*Evidence of formal UCONN appointment or invitation to consult, give a guest lecture etc.
*Evidence of adequate financial support.

Forms Needed for Payment##

Salary: *Form W-4 and CT-W4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate.completed single one and $7.60/week, $15.30 biweekly using standard graduated withholding tables, unless tax treaty exemption applies.
: * I-9, copy of passport, visa, I-94 and DS2019 and Foreign National Information Form.
*Form 8233 Exemption from Withholding on Compensation and applicable Revenue Statement if tax treaty exemption applies.
*Social Security number required.

Fellowships, Scholarships and Participant Support: *CO-17 with attached copy of passport, visa, I-94 and DS2019 and Foreign National Information Form.
*Form W-8BEN, if tax treaty exemption applies.
*Social Security Number required. All J-1 scholars are eligible for social security numbers.

Payment for Services and Travel Reimbursement: *CO-17 with attached copy of passport, visa, I-94, DS2019 and Foreign National Information Form(for employee travel use Travel Expense Report TR-750, no copies of immigration documents needed).
*Form W-8BEN Certificate of Foreign Status for Payment for Services.
*Social Security Number required.
*Form 8233 Exemption from Withholding on Compensation, if tax treaty exemption applies

NOTE: Any J-1s who are on a J-1 Program other than UCONN's must have UCONN indicated as a source of support on the DS2019, or have written authorization from the Responsible Officer of the Program to receive any form of fee for service.

Tax Liability/Withholding

Social Security Tax: All payments are exempt from FICA until the first payment of the year in which an individual becomes a resident for tax purposes. A "first time" visitor in J-1 status will be exempt for the first two calendar years in the US. The time frame is different for "return" visitors. Scholarships and Fellowships are never subject to FICA. Contact Payroll if uncertainty exists.
Federal Tax: Salary:
Taxes are deducted based on "single" with one allowance plus $7.60/week,$15.30/biweekly, using standard graduated withholding tables, unless tax treaty exemption applies.; Scholarships, Fellowships and Participant Support:
14% withholding while non-resident alien, unless tax treaty exemption applies, degree candidate; 30% non-degree candidate.; Travel Reimbursement:
None at this time, under review.; Payment for Services:
30% withholding, unless tax treaty exemption applies.
State Tax: Salary:
Taxes are deducted based on "single" with one allowance using standard graduated withholding tables, tax treaties do not apply in Connectiicut.; Scholarships, Fellowships and Participant Support:
None.; Travel Reimbursement:
None.; Payment for Services:
None, except entertainers or public speakers paid over $1,000.00, which are taxed at 5%.

I-9 verification###: Valid I-94, and pink copy of DS2019 issued by UCONN or issued by other sponsor showing UCONN as the source of support.