Hosting a J-1 Exchange Scholar: Faculty & Department Overview

Welcome to the Abilene Christian University (ACU) J-1 Exchange Visitor Program guide. Managed by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (BridgeUSA), the J-1 program promotes international collaboration and mutual understanding through academic and cultural exchanges.

Program Purpose & Objectives

Eligible foreign professors and research scholars may be sponsored under J-1 status when their visit supports university goals and federal program guidelines (22 CFR 62.20(b):

• International Collaboration: Stimulate joint research, lecturing, and global exchange of ideas.

• Collegial Engagement: Work alongside ACU faculty and colleagues in teaching and research.

• Cultural Exchange: Participate in cross-cultural activities within the U.S. community.

• Knowledge Sharing: Return home to share perspectives, expertise, and institutional connections.
  
  

Important Rules & Visa Restrictions

To protect institutional compliance and scholar eligibility, hosting departments must adhere to standard visa guidelines:

1. Temporary Status & Employment Limitations

• No Tenure-Track Positions: The J-1 classification is strictly non-immigrant and temporary. Tenure or tenure-track positions are prohibited.

• Approval by Export Control: Departments must submit the Deemed Export Questionnaire document to the Export Control officer and receive approval before requesting the immigration documents.

• Invitation Letter Requirement: If the scholar will be an ACU employee, the temporary nature of the appointment must be explicitly stated in the formal invitation letter. Departments should wait until after the OISVS review before issuing this letter. A suggested template will be provided.

• Permanent Employment Options: If your department intends to hire a foreign national in a long-term or tenure-track capacity, contact the Office of General Counsel to pursue an H-1B visa instead.

⚠️ Critical Visa Policy: No B-2 or ESTA for Research

All individuals coming to ACU primarily for academic research or teaching must enter on a J-1 visa. Visiting on tourist visas (B-2 or ESTA) for academic work—whether paid or unpaid—is strictly illegal under U.S. federal law.

OISVS Support & Next Steps

The Office of International Students and Visiting Scholars (OISVS) provides immigration compliance, administrative support, and cultural integration to ensure a successful stay for scholars and departments alike.

Department Checklist:

1. Review Online Resources: Read through the remaining pages in this guide for immigration requirements and hosting best practices.

2. Schedule a Consultation: Contact the Responsible Officer (RO) to discuss scholar eligibility, timelines, and DS-2019 processing.

Key Contacts

Responsible Officer (RO)

Lucy Dawson

lld09a@acu.edu

Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)

Kris Sutton

kms07b@acu.edu

Contact the OSIVS at oisvs@groupmail.acu.edu or Lucy Dawson at lld09a@acu.edu for additional support and guidance on J-1 Exchange Visitor related questions.