Synopsis of New Department of State Regulations Governing Exchange Visitor Programs

I. Department of State Amendments to Subpart A of the J Exchange

Visitor Regulations: English Language Proficiency

II. How the New Provisions Will Impact Missouri S&T’s Administration

of J-1 Exchange Visitor Program

III. Implementation of English Language Proficiency Requirement

IV. Department of State Amendments to Subpart A of the J Exchange

Visitor Regulations: Insurance

V. Processes and Procedures for Inviting a Prospective Exchange Visitor

I. Department of State Amendments to Subpart A of the J Exchange Visitor Regulations:

J-1: Objective Measurements of English Proficiency

Effective January 5, 2015, a new provision to the J-1 exchange visitor regulations requires sponsors (such as Missouri S&T) to determine that a prospective exchange visitor has “sufficient proficiency in the English language, as determined by an objective measurement of English language proficiency, successfully to participate in his or her program and to function on a day-to-day basis.” [22 CFR 62.11(a)(2)].

I. Department of State Amendments to Subpart A of the J Exchange Visitor Regulations (Continued):

The new provision specifies the use of one of the following “objective measurements of English language proficiency” to determine a prospective exchange visitor’s language proficiency:

A recognized English language test, i.e. the TOEFL or the IELTS; Signed documentation on English language proficiency level from an academic

institution or English language school; or A documented interview conducted by the sponsor either in-person, or by

videoconferencing, or by telephone if videoconferencing is not a viable option.

II. How the New Provisions Will Impact Missouri S&T’s Administration of J-1 Exchange Visitor Program:

There are four categories of exchange visitors at Missouri S&T:

Research Scholars or Short Term Scholars: Each prospective scholar will have to provide proof of English language

proficiency as described in the previous slide as referenced above in “J-1: Objective Measurements of English Proficiency” sections 1a, b, c.

II. How the New Provisions Will Impact Missouri S&T’s Administration of J-1 Exchange Visitor Program:

Degree Seeking Exchange Visitors (mostly sponsored students): English proficiency proof requirements are unchanged. Degree seeking

exchange visitors must meet English language proficiency requirements established by the University or by their academic departments.

II. How the New Provisions Will Impact Missouri S&T’s Administration of J-1 Exchange Visitor Program (Continued):

Non-Degree Seeking Exchange Visitors (study abroad students): English proficiency proof requirements are unchanged. We currently accept

a letter from partner/home university verifying English proficiency. Partner/home universities will now complete our standard form verifying

English language proficiency level.

II. How the New Provisions Will Impact Missouri S&T’s Administration of J-1 Exchange Visitor Program:

Non-Degree Fee Paying Exchange Visitors (such as Brazil Scientific Mobility Program [BSMP] students):

Missouri S&T does not issue the DS-2019 documents for BSMP students. It is the responsibility of the sponsoring entity which issues the DS-2019’s to verify English language proficiency.

III. Implementation of English Language Proficiency Requirement:

S&T will implement the three objective measurements of determining applicant’s language proficiency as indicated and recommended by the Department of State depending on the classification of the exchange visitor, as previously described in section II.

III. Implementation of English Language Proficiency Requirement (Continued):

The Missouri S&T Applied Language Institute has established the scores required for exchange visitor participation for common standardized tests of English language proficiency based on three main sources. English proficiency evaluation will be made in one of the following manners: Comparison of scores from the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign

Language (TOEFL iBT) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

III. Implementation of English Language Proficiency Requirement (Continued):

If the scholar does not possess standardized English test scores, a qualified staff member or adjunct lecturer in the Applied Language Institute/Intensive English Program will determine applicants’ English language proficiency via videoconferencing. This will be a fee-based service paid for by the applicant or sponsoring department/faculty member if they choose to demonstrate their English language proficiency in this manner. The length of the interview will last approximately 30 minutes. During the interview, applicants will be evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate four independent key elements of concern at the B1 (intermediate) level according to the CEFR guidelines.

III. Implementation of English Language Proficiency Requirement (Continued):

The English proficiency evaluation will focus on the following areas: Understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters

regularly encountered in work, school, leisure etc. Deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the

English language is spoken. Produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal

interest. Describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly

give reasons and explanation for opinions and plans.

III. Implementation of English Language Proficiency Requirement (Continued):

Missouri S&T’s International Student Services has developed a Certification of English Proficiency Form to document the method employed to determine applicant’s English language proficiency as well as the results of the English language proficiency evaluation. This completed form which meets the requirements of the new regulations will be presented to the Department of State upon request or used by that entity in the event of audit.

III. Implementation of English Language Proficiency Requirement (Continued):

Missouri S&T’s Applied Language Institute has established the required Intensive English Program training for a prospective exchange visitor to participate in our J-1 scholar program based upon the following range of TOEFL iBT and IELTS scores:General descriptor TOEFL iBT IELTS Recommendation

Intermediate 50-57 5-5.5 The applicant is required to take oral English communication training upon arrival to Missouri S&T. The oral communication training meets once a week. The tuition fee is $260 per semester.

High Intermediate 58-78 6 The applicant is required to take Conversation Partners through the Intensive English Program. Conversation Partners training meets once per week. The tuition fee is $130 per semester.

Advanced 79 and above

Higher than 6

The applicant is proficient enough fully participate in an exchange program at Missouri S&T.

IV. Department of State Amendments to Subpart A of the J Exchange Visitor Regulations Insurance:

Current Exchange Visitor Insurance Requirements:

The current rule [22 CFR 62.14(a)] requires each exchange visitor and any accompanying dependents to have insurance in effect which covers the exchange visitor and all accompanying dependents for sickness or accident during the entire period of time that an exchange visitor participates in the sponsor’s exchange visitor program.

IV. Department of State Amendments to Subpart A of the J Exchange Visitor Regulations Insurance:

Minimum coverage shall provide: Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness; Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500; Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his

or her home county in the amount of $10,000; and A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

New Provision of Exchange Visitor Insurance Amounts:

Effective May 15, 2015, the new provision to the exchange visitor insurance mandates that each exchange visitor and any accompanying dependents have insurance in effect which covers the exchange visitor and all accompanying dependents for sickness or accident during the period of time than an exchange visitor participates in the sponsor’s exchange visitor program. Additionally, “sponsors must inform all exchange visitors that they, and any accompanying spouse and dependent(s), also may be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act.” [22 CFR 62.14(a)].

IV. Department of State Amendments to Subpart A of the J Exchange Visitor Regulations Insurance (Continued):

IV. Department of State Amendments to Subpart A of the J Exchange Visitor Regulations Insurance:

Minimum coverage shall provide (effective May 15, 2015): 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 county in the amount of $50,000; and A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

Thank you for your attention!Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of

International and Cultural Affairs if assistance is needed

Any questions??