Resources for International Initiatives

Eligibility Requirements for Exchange Visitors

22 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 41.62(a)]

The exchange visitor:

• May be sponsored as a J-1 if they will be participating in a program that furthers the objectives of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
• Must possess the financial support listed on the request form and these resources must meet the requirements set by the International Office.
• Must possess sufficient English language proficiency for the proposed teaching/research activity. (Through English proficiency test or interview with sponsoring department). 
• Must have appropriate academic credentials for his/her category and position
• Must intend to return to his/her home country.
• Must be aware of the health insurance requirements and maintain health insurance which meets Federal and University requirements throughout th J-1 program.

Exchange Visitor Categories and Time Limitations

Professors and Research Scholars [22 CFR § 62.4(e) & (f)]

Professor and research scholar are two separate J-1 exchange visitor categories, but because they are related, the regulations governing them are contained in the same subsection.

• A J-1 “Professor” is defined as an individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting. A professor may also conduct research.
• A J-1 “Research Scholar” is defined as an individual primarily conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project. A research scholar may also teach or lecture.

An exchange visitor may participate in the Professor or Research Scholar category for a minimum program of 3 weeks to a maximum program of 5 years. The maximum of 5 years is counted from the program start date in SEVIS (the DS-2019 begin date).

Short-Term Scholars [22 CFR § 62.4(b)] 

A short-term scholar is defined as a professor, research scholar, specialist, or a person with similar education or accomplishments coming to the U.S. on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited educational institutions, or similar types of institution. Examples include educators, scientists, research fellows, writers, and museum administrators. The short-term scholar may also engage in collaborative research.

The short-term scholar category is not subject to the three-week minimum length of program requirement. It is therefore an ideal category for programs and visits of short-term duration lasting anywhere from one day to a maximum of six months. A short-term scholar may extend his/her stay up to the six-month maximum or transfer to another J-1 program within that period, but extensions beyond 6 months are not permitted. The maximum of 6 months is counted from the start date on the Form DS-2019.

Hosting Responsibilities

The International Office will support your J-1 exchange visitor to ensure they maintain legal immigration status. However there are a number of other important details to coordinate to ensure a successful exchange visitor experience. The department sponsor is responsible for supporting the visitor in obtaining or supporting the visitors': 

• Clearances
• KU ID and email address
• Housing
• Airport Arrival / Transportation to Kutztown
• Orientation (to the project, assignment, research, etc.)
• Cultural integration

International students have unique advising needs because they must not only meet the university academic requirements, but must also follow U.S. immigration regulations. The information provided here is to help you understand some basic visa and immigration regulations as you advise international students.

For any visa or immigration related issues that you don’t understand or feel that it is beyond your expertise, please refer the student to the International Office for answers.

Enrollment Requirements

Full-Time Enrollment
International students in F-1 or J-1 status are required to enroll full-time each term except during their annual vacation or if they are authorized to take less than full-time by the International Office. Full-time requirements for immigration purposes are

• Undergraduate: 12 credits
• Graduate: 9 credits.

Online Courses Degree Programs
International students are required to take most of their classes in classroom setting. Only 3 credits hours per semester or term will be counted towards fulltime enrollment. Students who are taking overload courses may take more than 3 credits hours of online classes. If a student only needs one course to complete his or her degree program, that course cannot be taken online. International students on F-1 and J-1 visas are prohibited from pursuing online degree
programs. International students in other visa statutes are exempt from this restriction.

Concurrent Enrollment
International students on F-1 or J-1 status are sometimes permitted to enroll concurrently in another school, as long as the combined enrollment amounts to full-time status. The student must get permission from you the academic advisor and the International Office before enrolling in another school.

Reduced Course Load (RCL)
Under certain academic or medical reasons, international students on F-1 or J-1 status may receive authorization for a Reduced Course Load (RCL), which gives them permission to enroll below full-time and still maintain valid immigration status. There are three categories of RCL are, 1) academic difficulties (during the first term), 2) illness or medical conditions, 3) completion of studies (during the last semester)

Withdrawal and Leave of Absence
If a student decides to withdraw or take a leave of absence from Kutztown University please contact the International Office prior to withdrawing the student. The student needs to obtain immigration permission from our office prior to withdrawal or taking a leave of absence.

Winter and Summer Term
International students are not required to enroll during the winter and summer, but may do so if they wish and can be part-time or full-time.

Change of Major and Change of Level

Change of Major
If an international student in F-1 or J-1 status changes a major or adds a major please inform the International Office as the student needs to obtain a new Form I-20 or DS2019 to reflect their current degree programs.

Change of Level
Moving Up a Degree Level: If a student is changing a degree level the student must submit an Application for Admissions and meet all admissions requirements. The student will receive immigration document that reflects their new level of study.

Same-level Sequential Degree: If a student is pursuing same-level sequential degree such as a second Bachelor’s, the student is required to complete a new Application for Admission to that program. The student is also required to submit financial document to show they have the funds to pay for the second degree. Upon review the International Office will issue a new Form I-20 or DS-2019 to the student to reflect the changes in their program.

Extension of Program
A student who is unable to complete their studies by the end date indicated on their Form I-20 or DS-2019 must apply for an extension prior to the expiration of the Form I-20 or DS-2019. A delay caused by academic probation or suspension is not acceptable reason for extension. Students who are ineligible for extension of stay are considered out of status and must apply for reinstatement. The student must apply for a Program Extension, and this form will require a signature of their academic advisor.

Students who are interested in participating in study abroad have unique advising needs because there are specific policies that may or may not apply depending on the program, the timeframe, and other factors. The information provided here is to help you understand the academic policies, participant expectations, and important forms you need to be aware of as you advise interested students.

Note: Be aware that Study Abroad Advising is conducted by the International Office or designated Faculty Program Leaders. Students meeting with an academic advisor to discuss study abroad does not complete advising requirements to apply to a program. All interested students should be notified to reach out to studyaway@kutztown.edu. 

Kutztown University Travel (KU Travel) Definition

Traveling internationally or regionally within the U.S. is considered KU Travel if one or more of the following applies:  

• Travel is sponsored, arranged, endorsed, promoted, or administered by the university or by university personnel.  
• Travel is part of a course, university activity, or part of the scope of study and employment at KU.  
• Travel is financed, in full or part, through KU funding, scholarships, or sponsorship.  
• Travel is related to a university-sponsored grant or contract.  
• Travel is credit-bearing, necessary for meeting course or degree requirement, or for KU research activities.  
• Travel is undertaken by a registered student organization affiliated with or representing KU.   

  

KU Travel includes study abroad, study away, and international travel registration.  

• Study abroad: Learning opportunities/activities in a foreign country, international waters, or U.S. territories.  
• Study away: Overnight off-campus learning opportunities /activities locally and regionally within the U.S. 

Academic Advising and Study Abroad 

View the Study Abroad Advising Webpage for more information. 

Transfer Credit Policies: There are very particular transfer credit policies students must be aware of prior to applying to study abroad. While these policies are reviewed with students during Study Abroad Advising, each academic advisor needs to be aware while working with students preparing to study abroad. For example, the 50% transfer credit rule limits the number of credits in a student's major and/or minor that they can transfer to KU, and study abroad credit is treated as transfer credit (with one exception). Be sure to review the student's academic plan carefully so that study abroad won't affect their residency requirement or graduation eligibility.

Making Academic Progress: Study abroad is easier to fit into a student's academic plan the earlier they begin working with the International Office. Students may take many of their General Education requirements abroad, but some categories are particularly recommended due to the wide availability of course offerings across many study abroad programs. Students may take courses abroad for their major or minor but must work closely with their advisors to plan and approve courses ahead of time. Typically, if core content courses cannot be found students can transfer them back as major or minor electives.  

Study Abroad Advising Materials:

Study Abroad Course Pre-Approval Form

Interested in Leading a Study abroad Program?

Short-term programs led by KU faculty or staff are called KU-Led Programs. The International Office offers a variety of trainings and workshops each semester for KU faculty/staff related to study abroad advising and/or leading programs.

Review the KU-Led proposal information, advising materials, training materials, and training and workshop dates/times on MyGlobalKU.