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General InformationIf you have been offered employment by Colorado College, you should be in communication with a faculty member and/or a residential life coordinator who will assist you with the details of your arrival. The Office of International Programs administers the Colorado College's Exchange Visitor Program. The Exchange Visitor Program is carried out pursuant to the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. Its purpose is to enhance the understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. At the conclusion of their visit, participants are expected to return to their home countries. The Office of International Programs issues the Form DS-2019 that you will need to apply at an American embassy or consulate for the J-1 visa. As soon as the office receives a copy of your contract, we will email you to get the information needed to complete the electronic DS-2019 form. The sooner you respond to our email, the sooner you will receive this form, together with other important information, by mail. The Exchange Visitor Program divides the regulatory categories into participant subcategories. Exchange students working as Cultural Program Coordinators are under a subcategory referred to as "student non-degree." The student non-degree category maximum stay is two years. This category also allows you to consider academic training. Other Cultural Program Coordinators are under the subcategory entitled "specialist." A specialist is defined as an individual who is an expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skill coming to the United States for observing, consulting or demonstrating special skills. A specialist stay can not exceed one year and can not be transferred to another employee. There are no regulatory provisions for extensions beyond the 1-year period. The 12-month bar does not apply to the Specialist category. Applying for a J1 VisaOnce you have received your mail package from Colorado College, please read carefully the information on the DS-2019. Are the dates correct? Did we spell you name right? If you find any mistakes, please email donna.beziou@ColoradoCollege.edu immediately. She will need to send you a revised form. In order to obtain a J-1 visa, you must present the U.S. Consular Officer with the Form DS-2019 along with a valid passport, a Colorado College contract letter, and a receipt of payment of the SEVIS fee. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now requires the collection of a one-time SEVIS fee of $100 from certain J-1 Exchange Visitor, students and scholars. This fee is collected to fund operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program Office, which has oversight over SEVIS - the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. This fee is not covered by Colorado College and must be paid ahead of time. Fees are not payable at the consulate. For on-line SEVIS fee payment (form I-901) and instructions, refer to www.FMJfee.com (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express accepted). The fee must be paid at least three days prior to your interview with the consular officer. Remember to bring a printed receipt copy and the DS-2019 form for the interview. The J-1 visa application process varies, so we advise you to contact the U.S. consulate in your country regarding additional requirements. ArrivalPlease be aware that a visa does not guarantee entrance into the U.S. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS) have the authority to deny admission at the port of entry. You should make sure to have all of your documents in order upon arrival. Before you leave the airplane, the flight attendant will pass out an I-94 card for you to fill out with information regarding your arrival in the U.S. At the port of entry, immigration officials will inspect your passport, visa, and statement of financial support. They will also stamp your documents as proof of your legal entry into the U.S. Your Form I-94 is usually stapled in your passport. It documents your entry, including your status and length of time you can stay in the U.S., on your visa. Upon arrival to Colorado College, you need to visit the Office of International Programs, bringing your passport and I-94. We need to validate your visa and make a copy of your passport. Traveling Abroad while at Colorado CollegeIf you plan to travel outside the U.S., please visit the Office of International Programs with your DS-2019 form for travel endorsement at least two weeks prior to your departure date. Otherwise, you may not be able to return to the United States. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future. Employment and Academic Training RulesEmployment in J student status: Students may engage in academic training related to the course of study. Students participating in the Cultural Program Coordinator position are not eligible for additional on-campus employment. Contact the Office of International Programs if employment is necessary because of serious, urgent and unforeseen economic circumstances since acquiring exchange visitor status. Academic training is work, training, or experience related to a student's field of study. Academic training may involve sequential or simultaneous activities, either paid or unpaid, with several employers, U.S. or foreign, provided the application and approval procedures are followed for each employer and activity, and the time limits are not exceeded. The following criteria must be met to be eligible for academic training:
Time limitations for Academic Training:
For more information contact the international studies program, Tel.: (719) 227-8282 and/or the Career Center's Internship program, Tel.: (719) 389-6893. Employment in J specialist status : J-1 exchange visitors under the specialist category are eligible to engage in the educational activities as outlined on their Form DS-2019. Your employment is both job and site specific, as stated on the Form DS-2019. A change in department or to another category of job is not permitted. The occasional lectures or short-term consultations:
Required Documents:
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