Information for J-1 Scholars

This page discusses J-1 research scholars.

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth welcomes scholars from many parts of the world under the U.S. Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program.

Please Note: Effective May 15, 2015, the U. S. Department of State increased the minimum insurance requirements. Please visit our J-1 Scholars' Health Insurance page for more details.

Purpose

  • to invite international students and scholars to the U.S. on a temporary basis for cultural, scientific, and educational exchange  
  • UMass Dartmouth sponsors 
    • students
    • student interns 
    • professors
    • research scholars
    • short-term scholars.  

To learn basic information about professors and short-term scholar categories please view the U.S. State Department's J visa programs.  For information on students applying to exchange programs or to full-time degree programs please refer to J visa information for students.

To help safeguard the health, safety and welfare of all exchange visitors, the Department reminds sponsors that there is an Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) Emergency Hotline – 1-866-283-9090 – a 24/7 toll-free telephone number that allows exchange visitors to directly contact the Department in emergency and urgent situations. 

Appointment Procedure

At UMass Dartmouth, academic departments or colleges may request permission, through the department chair or dean, to sponsor scholars from outside the U.S. to participate temporarily in various academic and/or research opportunities.  Scholars use the Form DS-2019 to apply for the U.S. entry visa.  To help you understand the appointment process, please review the checklist and data forms we use to gather information to prepare the DS 2019.

After your arrival on campus, the International Student & Scholar Center provides J-1 scholars and interns with general advice and assistance with campus life and personal concerns.  Ongoing support for visas and other immigration forms is also available.

Authorized officials

The following University officials are authorized to sign the DS-2019 and DS-7002 forms and other J-1 paperwork:

Responsible Officer (RO)

Daniel Pirbudagov
Executive Director of International Education
International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC)
(508) 910-6633
INTL_Office@UMassD.edu

Alternate Responsible Officers (ARO)

Meghan Houghton
Assistant Director ISSC
(508) 910-6633
INTL_Office@UMassD.edu

Patricia Mooney
Administrative Assistant ISSC
(508) 910-6633
INTL_Office@UMassD.edu

Immigration Scams

Mass.gov: Avoiding Immigration Scams