Overview of Categories

An individual whose primary purpose of coming to the United States is to study. Individuals wishing to come to Flagler College as a non-degree student must participate in a program that fulfills the educational objectives of the individual’s degree program in their home country. Individuals in this category will not receive a diploma from Flagler College. However, class credits taken at Flagler College may be transferred back to the individual’s degree program in their home country. Individuals may engage in non-degree granting programs for no more than 24 months.

An individual whose primary responsibility in the United States is teaching and lecturing Flagler College students. Individuals in this category may be able to conduct research but should verify the possibility prior to beginning. Professors promote the exchange of ideas and linkage between research and academic institutions.

• Minimum stay of three weeks required
• Maximum stay of five years

An individual whose primary responsibility is conducting research, or working on a research project. Individuals in this category may be able to teach a class but should verify the possibility prior to beginning. Research scholars promote the exchange of ideas and linkage between research and academic institutions.

• Minimum stay of three weeks required
• Maximum stay of five years

Health Insurance in the United States is very different from health insurance around the world. Unlike in many countries, individuals are required to pay for health insurance. Having health insurance helps ensure that exchange visitors do not have to pay exorbitant amounts of money in the event they fall ill, as it limits the amount of money required for treatment. 

The U.S. Department of State has minimum J-1 health insurance requirements that exchange students’ insurance plan must meet:

• 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 in the amount of $50,000
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
• A policy is underwritten by an insurance carrier that meets one of the following ratings

Please note this applies to J-2 visa holders as well.

Professors, scholars, and other professionals who come to the United States for a short-term visit. Their primary responsibility may be to lecture, conduct research, or demonstrate a special skill at a U.S. research and academic institution.

• No minimum stay required
• Maximum stay of six months (NOTE: no extensions beyond six months under any circumstances)

Typically, a Flagler College office, department, or faculty member sponsors a J-1 Exchange visitor coming to Flagler College as a Research Scholar, Professor, or Short-Term Scholar. After receiving notification of the sponsorship, the International Center will be able to begin initiating the immigration process for potential exchange visitors.

In an effort to assist interested sponsors, please review the following steps for requesting a Form DS-2019 for a potential visitor.

1. Interested Sponsor contacts International Center with a nomination for a potential Exchange Visitor
2. International Center reviews nomination
3. International Center sends Exchange Visitor Profile Form and Affidavit of Financial Support to potential Exchange Visitor
• Financial Support – This form indicates that the Exchange Visitor will be financially stable during their time in the United States. Exchange Visitors are able to be financially supported by a Flagler College Department. If this is the case, the Sponsoring Department must write a letter indicating the finances provided to Exchange visitor. The International Center cannot issue a Form DS-2019 without proper financial verification.
4. International Center verifies the English ability of potential Exchange Visitor
5. After receiving completed Exchange Visitor Profile Form, Affidavit of Financial Support, and assessing the potential Exchange Visitor’s English ability, International Center issues Form DS-2019
6. Exchange Visitor schedules appointment for J-1 Visa in their home country
7. Exchange Visitor provides proof of acceptable health insurance to the International Center
8. After arriving in the United States, Exchange Visitor attends mandatory orientation (Sponsor is able to attend as well)

Interested sponsors are encouraged to reach out to the International Center for more information regarding sponsorship and your responsibilities.