International J-1 Scholars & Students

Roger Williams University sponsors J-1 Visiting Scholars in the following categories: Professors, Research Scholars and Short-Term Scholars.

New Regulations for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program

Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement

Employment 
Prior to the start of your appointment and in consultation with your appointing department you must contact the Human Resources office at Roger Williams University to complete all necessary employment documentation.

Incidental Employment - Occasional lectures or consultations 
As a J-1 Scholar (professor, researcher or short-term scholar) your employment in the United States is limited to the position described on your DS-2019 form. Any additional employment, salary, lecturing and/or any consulting must be related to your current work and is restricted.
Employment or participation outside of your position noted on your DS-2019 requires written permission from ISS at the Spiegel Center.

Applying for a Social Security Card
To obtain a Social Security card present the completed Social Security card application along with the following 3 documents to a Social Security representative:
Valid Passport, I-94, and SEVIS DS-2019

Health Insurance Requirement
Visiting Scholars are required by regulation to maintain medical insurance that covers them (and spouse and/or children if they are in the U.S. in J-2 status) for illnesses and accidents during the entire period of time they are in the U.S. in J-1 or J-2 immigration status. Minimum coverage must meet DOS requirements. Failure to maintain insurance throughout their stay in the U.S. in J status could jeopardize their lawful immigration status.

J-1 Exchange Visitors Legal Rights & Protections

International students are eligible for the J Visa category if they are supported substantially by funding from any source other than personal or family funds (for example: government or university funding) or they are participants in an exchange program between their home university and Roger Williams University).

They must also be studying in the U.S., pursuing a full course of study leading to a U.S. degree or engaged in a prescribed course of study (non-degree) that can be up to 24 months duration.

Health Insurance Requirement

J-1 Students are required by regulation to maintain medical insurance that covers them (and spouse and/or children if they are in the U.S. in J-2 status) for illnesses and accidents during the entire period of time they are in the U.S. in J-1 or J-2 immigration status. Failure to maintain insurance throughout their stay in the U.S. in J status could jeopardize their lawful immigration status.

Program participants and their dependents are required to have medical insurance coverage with the following minimum benefits:

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

Student Employment

J-1 Students may, with prior written approval by the sponsor, engage in part-time employment that meets the following criteria: 1) it is related to the terms of the scholarship 2) it occurs on the RWU campus.
If it occurs off-campus students must show urgent and unforeseen economic circumstances occurred since acquiring J-1 student status.
International Scholar Services will make the determination as to whether such activity satisfies the criteria listed above

All necessary employment documentation must be completed prior to any employment - including a social security card application and other required tax documentation:
Employment and Tax Information
Information and tax forms on the IRS web site

You might also be required to file a Rhode Island tax return, which is separate from the federal return.
See their website for more information.

Applying for a Social Security Card
Social Security card applications are available online.

To obtain a Social Security card, present the following documents, along with a completed Social Security card application, to a Social Security representative:
1) J-1 Student's* Valid Passport 2) I-94 and 3) SEVIS DS-2019

J Exchange Visitors Legal Rights & Protections

Roger Williams University

Academic Schools & Departments
Intercultural Center
Student Health Services
Public Safety

Travel & Visa Links

J Exchange Visitors Legal Rights & Protections
Links to U.S. Embassies and Consulates
Visa Wait Times
Exchange Visitor (J) Visas - Overview
Applying for a J Visa
Required J Visa documentation
Visa Application forms - DS-156, DS-157, DS-158 etc.
Filing a SEVIS fee
Frequently asked questions about travel
U.S. Department of State website

Employment - Social Security & Tax Links

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Forms
Form W-8BEN
Form 8233
Rhode Island tax information
Applying for a Social Security Card (pdf)

Other Links

Rhode Island Public Transportation (RIPTA) Bus Schedules
Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles