Visiting Scholars

Selection of Exchange Visitors

• Positions and sponsorship for international visiting professors, research scholars, and short-term scholars at IPFW who will enter the U.S. on J-1 Exchange Visitor visas will be offered through the University’s colleges, divisions, and academic departments. 
• Academic units will make a request to create a visiting scholar position in accordance with college, division, or department policy. 
• Final approval of visiting professor positions will be required from the appropriate Dean or Director and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
• In addition, the appointment of candidates will be subject to hiring guidelines in accordance with Human Resources and the University Administration.

Health Care Insurance

Exchange visitors will be required to purchase health insurance for the duration of their stay with Rust International Associates Insurance Plans.  Rust International Associates has a group plan for IPFW international students and scholars which meet the minimum level of benefits required by CFR 62.14(c). The plan offers up to $250,000 per injury or illness, $20,000 for Repatriation coverage, $100,000 Medical Evacuation, and a deductible of $20 per injury or sickness.  Rust International Associates plans are underwritten by AMA Insurance Group.  

For more information, please visit Rust International Associates website. 

Pre-arrival and Orientation Information

• Prior to arrival, all professors will receive a packet containing their DS-2019, Appointment Letter/Contract, Pre-arrival Guide, Campus Map, Health Insurance, and Off  Campus housing information.  
• The Pre-Arrival Guide is enclosed with this designation application and contains information on the travel/entry to the U.S., the two year home country physical presence requirement, dependants, housing, transportation, J-1 responsibilities and other information to assist the visitor to prepare for their stay in the U.S. 
• They will also receive information from the IPFW academic department where they will be working, which will include the supervisor contact information.
• All exchange visitors will be picked up from the airport by either the IPFW Office of International Education or sponsoring academic department representative. Upon arrival professors will receive a J-1 exchange visitor handbook which is also enclosed with this designation application.
• The handbook includes a welcome letter, information on U.S. life and customs, local resources, J-1 immigration rules, and available health assistance.
• They will also receive a copy of the “Exchange visitor Program Welcome Brochure” outlining the regulations relevant to the Exchange Visitor  also containing the contact information for the Office of Private Sector Exchange of the Department of State. 
• Additionally they will receive an employee handbook and meet with the appropriate Human Resource staff.

The prospective Visiting Scholar must submit the following:

• DS-2019 Request Form [PDF]
• DS-2019 Request-Dependent Information [PDF], if applicable
• Passport Copy
• Copies of Previous J-1 visa or DS-2019’s
• Financial supporting documents, if applicable

After the exchange visitor has been selected and meets the requirements for DS-2019 issuance, a pre-arrival welcome packet will be mailed to the exchange visitor.  Currently, IPFW has several faculty exchange agreements for professors and there is a great potential to further expand faculty exchange in the future with the approval of IPFW’s J-1 designation.