Departmental Responsibilities for Sponsoring J-1 International Scholars

Immigration regulations mandate that U.S. universities and colleges that sponsor international scholars report exchange visitor information via SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). SEVIS is a U.S. Government web-based database that makes information about international scholars available to immigration and other governmental agencies including U.S. consulates and embassies. The Global Education Office (GEO) is required to report personal and program information regarding international scholars at the University of New Mexico via SEVIS within a very short time frame if the scholar is to remain legally in the U.S. Among other information, GEO must report to SEVIS the exchange visitor’s arrival at UNM within 30 days of the program start date listed on the DS-2019 form and report the exchange visitor’s U.S. address.

Each department sponsoring the exchange visitor is responsible for the following:

  • Providing a MINIMUM of 3 months lead time in preparing paperwork for new visiting scholars. Departments should be aware that delays in visa processing and security checks can mean that some scholars may need up to 6 months to secure a J-1 visa and arrive at UNM.

  • Ensuring accuracy of the information provided on the DS-2019 Request Form for International Scholars.

  • Informing GEO immediately if the scholar changes plans, decides to arrive earlier or later than stated on the DS-2019 form, or cancels their proposed appointment at UNM.

  • Ensuring the scholar's prompt attendance at the mandatory GEO orientation (within 10 days of arrival).

  • Providing support to the scholar during their research/teaching at UNM.

  • Communicating immediately with GEO regarding information about the scholar's appointment at UNM which includes the following SEVIS reportable events: the arrival, departure and/or termination of the scholar from UNM, changes in the scholar's U.S. address, and any program change in the scholar's appointment.

  • Informing GEO at least one month before the expiration date on a current scholar's DS-2019 form about any extension requests.

  • Informing GEO immediately prior to early termination of the exchange visitor program in any department (if leaving more than 2 weeks prior to the scholar's DS-2019 end date).

  • Informing GEO about any prospective non-UNM paid engagements that the scholar wishes to participate in (so that GEO can authorize such employment in advance if the scholar meets the immigration requirements).

Please see forms section for forms.