International Scholars (Exchange Visitors)

Overview

Baylor University has been approved by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholars (EVs) participating in academic research, teaching and observation at Baylor. EV Scholars must have official appointments such as temporary faculty, research, postdoctoral or postgraduate fellows, as well as other temporary academic appointments. The J-1 visa cannot be used for ladder-track or tenured appointments.  The majority of Exchange Visitors come to teach or conduct research.

It is important to remember that when a Baylor academic department chooses to invite an Exchange Visitor (EV) to campus, the academic department takes on the role of host and main point of contact before and during their stay.  There are many tasks and responsibilities associated with bringing an EV to campus so departments should consider what resources they have to offer before inviting anyone.   Please review the EV Host Overview found HERE.

International Student and Scholar Services is prepared to assist Baylor academic departments as they seek to bring these EV scholars to campus.  The role of International Student and Scholar Services is to assist with the issuing of appropriate documents required for the visa application and subsequent entry into the U.S.  ISSS also assists by helping EVs understand and comply with U.S. Government regulations as well as by providing cultural experiences that meet the Department of State's programming requirements. 

Please review the regulations, processes, and services that apply to Exchange Visitors listed below. If you have any questions, please contact Mark Bryant via email at Mark_Bryant@baylor.edu or by calling 254-710-1461.

Eligibility

1. The host department at Baylor must determine that the individual has the appropriate academic credentials, as well as English language proficiency, for the temporary academic appointment.  If the individual will be a Baylor Hire, then Baylor Human Resources must determine eligibility and follow the hiring process.
2. The Exchange Visitor must provide evidence of financial support (either Baylor funds or outside funding) for all expenses, including additional financial support for any accompanying family members.
3. The exchange visitor and his/her accompanying family members must maintain health insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State's requirements for Exchange Visitors.  Exchange Visitors hired by Baylor will be under Baylor's Health Insurance which meets all requirements except for Evacuation and Repatriation which must be purchased separately.  Exchange Visitors who fall under the Affiliate Faculty category may use their own insurance ONLY if it meets all U.S. Department of State requirements.  The policy must be submitted to the Center for Global Engagement for review BEFORE the scholar enters the U.S.  If, the policy does not meet the minimum requirements, the scholar and all accompanying dependents will be required to purchase insurance. Coverage for sicknesses or accidents must be active during the entire J-1 scholar's (and any dependents) period of stay.

Processes

1. The department should review the processes based on the type of Exchange Visitor coming to campus (Baylor Hire, Baylor Affiliate Faculty, Fulbright).
2. The host department must assign a faculty member to serve as the Exchange Visitor's host.  The faculty host is responsible for assisting the EV with tasks to be completed prior to and after arrival to campus.  It is highly recommended that the faculty host arrange a meeting with the Director of International Student and Scholar Services.
3. Both Baylor hire and affiliate faculty EVs must have a background check either through Human Resources or though the Office of Global Safety and Research Security.
4. After the EV has been approved through the necessary offices, ISSS will provide the Scholar with a link where the scholar can upload required documents to request the DS-2019 . (The DS-2019 is the immigration document that the Scholar needs to present at the Consulate when requesting the J visa.)
5. The faculty host assists the visiting scholar with finding housing, local transportation, and any other necessities.
6. When the scholar arrives to campus, they must check in with the Center for Global Engagement.

The documents below describe the specific processes for Baylor departments to use to bring visiting international scholars, Exchange Visitors, to campus including a list of tasks and responsibilities.  

English Language Support

The Baylor Graduate School offers a free English for Academic Purposes course for all international graduate students who will be teaching.  Visiting scholars may request to participate in the course as well and may be admitted if spaces are available.  There is a fee for the course.  For more information, click HERE.