J-1 Welcome Page
(Professors and Research Scholars)
On behalf of the Center for International Studies, I would like to welcome you to Wake Forest University/Health Sciences as either a professor or a research scholar in the J-1 visa category. This page is designed to provide you with pertinent information as it pertains to obtaining the J-1 visa, your arrival, housing, and a host of other subjects. I hope that you will find it to be both informative and useful as you make preparations to come to Winston-Salem. I realize that it is impossible to answer all questions with a single Web page, so please don't hesitate to contact me should you have further inquiries. I look forward to meeting you when you arrive on campus, and I hope that you have a pleasant and smooth journey to North Carolina.
Sincerely,
Kent Greer
Assistant Director
International Students/Scholars
Contact Information
Immigration Issues
Arrival Information
J-1 insurance requirements
Housing
Getting Settled
Social Security Number and North Carolina Driver's License
J-2 Dependent Issues
WFU Center for International Studies
Carswell Hall, Room 027
Winston-Salem, NC 27109
Kent Greer
Assistant Director/Int'l Students and Scholars
Tel: (336) 758-6033
Mobile: (336) 391-3755
e-mail: greerrk@wfu.edu
Samuel Edwards
International Studies Advisor
Tel: (336) 758-4978
e-mail: edwardsr@wfu.edu
Obtaining a J-1 Visa: A step-by-step process
*Note* Citizens of Canada are not required to obtain a visa in order to enter the U.S. in the J-1/J-2 category. This rule, however, does not apply to landed immigrants of Canada. As of 01/23/07, however, all foreign nationals entering the U.S. will be required to present a valid passport in order to gain entry in a nonimmigrant category.
1) Once the CIS has been notified by the sponsoring department that you will be coming to the university, you will be issued Form DS-2019. This form will allow you to apply for an J-1 exchange visitor visa at the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate. The initial time period that is listed on the form will be determined by the sponsoring department.
2) After you receive Form DS-2019, you will need to pay a fee that is referred to as the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee is used to pay administrative costs associated with the SEVIS computer system. This fee can be paid in a variety of ways, including online using a major credit card. Detailed information on the fee and the various payment methods can be found at:
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm
3) Once you have received the DS-2019 form and paid the fee, you are now ready to schedule an interview with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. For exchange visitors from certain countries, an appointment can be scheduled using an online reservation service. Others will need to schedule the interview by telephone. Before going for your visa interview, you should be aware of all documentation that is required by the respective embassy/consulate that you will be visiting. Procedures and practices vary from country to country, so it is vital that you check the embassy's/consulate's Web site prior to your visit.
Keep in mind that you can apply for the visa as soon as you receive your DS-2019 and pay the I-901 fee. You are advised to apply as early as possible so as to avoid any unforeseen delays that might occur due to background checks, high demand, etc.
4) Once you have obtained your J-1 visa stamp, you are ready to travel to the U.S. You may make an entry to the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date listed on your DS-2019. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ENTER THE U.S. MORE THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THIS DATE.
Detailed information as it pertains to both the visa process and entry to the U.S. in the J-1 category can be found at the following site:
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Two-Year Home Residence Rule (212(e))
Many exchange visitors who come to the U.S. in the J-1 category are subject to the two-year home residence rule. Please be advised that subjectivity to this requirement is primarily based on either a "skills list" that is designated by the home country or the source of finances for the exchange program. Please be aware that it is not possible to switch to another visa category within the U.S. or apply for permanent residence until this requirement has been fulfilled or waived.
For the majority of cases, a recommendation for a waiver for the requirement is usually granted by the Department of State after it has received a "no objection" letter from the home country. This letter will only be accepted by the Department of State by means of official diplomatic channels. In order to determine what is required in terms of supplying the "no objection" letter, you should check with your country's embassy. In most instances, this information can be found on the embassy's Web site. For more information on obtaining a waiver recommendation from the Dept. of State, please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1296.html.
If, after obtaining your visa, you feel that you were mistakenly subjected to the requirement, an advisory opinion from the Dept. of State can be requested after your arrival in the U.S.
Initial Port of Entry
When you arrive at your initial port of entry to the U.S., you should have the following documents with you:
- Form DS-2019 issued by WFU
- Passport that is valid for AT LEAST six months into the future
- J-1 visa stamp/sticker in your passport
- I-94 card that you received on the airplane
If you do not have a valid J-1 visa stamp in your passport (does not apply to citizens of Canada), the likelihood that you will be denied entry to the U.S. is very high. If you do not have your DS-2019 with you when you arrive at a U.S. port of entry, you will most likely be admitted into the country, given a certain form (I-515) and told to send in all necessary documentation to an office in Washington D.C.
You will be admitted into the country as an J-1 exchange visitor. Your DS-2019 form and I-94 card will both be stamped by the immigration official to reflect this status.
Airport Delays
Please keep in mind that due to heightened security measures, making an entry to the U.S. from abroad can be a very time consuming process. There is always the chance that you will be delayed and will miss a connecting flight. If possible, please allow plenty of time between your flights.
Arriving in Greensboro
Most exchange visitors who come to WFU fly into the Piedmont Triad International Airport, which is located in Greensboro, NC.
Piedmont Triad Int'l Airport
It is a very small airport, and you will probably find it very convenient in terms of retrieving your luggage and finding your way around. If you choose to arrive in Raleigh or Charlotte, please be aware of the fact that you will need to find transportation to Winston-Salem. Both Raleigh and Charlotte are located about one and a half hour's drive from Winston-Salem. Outside of a very expensive taxi ride, about the only other available transportation option is the Greyhound Bus Lines.
Transportation to Winston-Salem
The airport is located approximately 30 minutes from the WFU campus. You have several options in terms of transportation from the Greensboro airport:
PART Shuttle
If you arrive between the hours of 6:00am and 6:00pm, you have the option of taking the PART shuttle to the Winston-Salem downtown bus terminal (The last bus leaves the Greensboro Regional Hub for Winston-Salem at 6:30pm). You will need to take a taxi from the downtown terminal to the WFU campus or your place of residence. This is a public shuttle service, and the cost of a one-way ticket to Winston-Salem is only $3.00. The shuttle stop is located outside of the Northwest/Continental baggage claim area on the ground floor of the terminal. You will be transported to the PART central hub, where you will transfer to a shuttle that will take you to Winston-Salem. The last bus from the central hub departs at 6:30pm.
Airport Taxi and Shuttle Service
There is also a regular shuttle/taxi service that operates on the ground floor of the terminal. Tickets can be purchased for the shuttle at the kiosk that is located approximately in the middle of the terminal across from the rental car agency counters. A one-way fare to the WFU campus ranges from $35 to $40, depending on the type of transportation and number of riders.
Hotels
PTI Airport/Greensboro
If you will be arriving late in the evening, you may want to spend the night in the Greensboro area. There are several hotels located near the PTI Airport. Most of these hotels provide shuttle service to and from the airport.
Greensboro Marriott Airport (costly)
1 Marriott Drive , Greensboro, NC
(336) 852-6450
(located across the street from the airport terminal)
Best Western Deep River (average)
800 National Service Road , Greensboro, NC
(336) 454-0333
Comfort Suites (average)
(336) 882-6666
7619 Thorndike Road , Greensboro, NC
Super 8 Motel (economy)
(336) 855-8888
2108 W. Meadowview Road, Greensboro, NC
Motel 6 (economy)
(336) 668-2085
605 South Regional Road, Greensboro, NC
Days Inn ( economy)
(336) 668-0476
501 Regional Road So., Greensboro, NC,
(Most popular airport hotel among WFU int'l students)
Winston-Salem Hotels
Holiday Inn (economy)
(336) 721-0220
110 Miller Street
Sleep Inn (economy)
(336) 774-8020
1985 Hampton Inn Ct
Hampton Inn (costly)
(336) 760-1660
1990 Hampton Inn Ct
La Quinta (average)
(336) 765-8777
2020 Griffith Street
Courtyard by Marriott (average)
(336) 760-5777
1600 Westbrook Plaza Dr
J-1 Insurance Requirements |
The J-1 rules and regulations require that all J-1 participants be covered by a health insurance policy that meets or exceeds the following amounts:
- $50,000 per illness
- $7,500 repatriation of remains
- $10,000 medical evacuation
(Deductible may not exceed $500 per illness or accident.)
If you will not be covered under a policy from your home country, you can purchase one after you arrive in the U.S. The CIS can furnish you with a list of providers that specialize in covering exchange visitors on the J-1 program.
WFU Health Insurance
If you will be employed by WFU for one full year, you qualify to sign up for university-sponsored health benefits. For a summary of health insurance as well as all other benefits available to full-time, regular employees of the Reynolda Campus, please see http://www.wfu.edu/hr/benefits/index.html.
For a list of rental properties in the area please contact Ms. Tammy Strickland, strick@wfubmc.edu.
Important Housing Tips
Please keep the following tips in mind when looking for an apartment and and/or signing a lease:
- Once you sign a contract and take possession of the apartment, you are bound by the rules of that contract. A contract is a legally binding agreement between you and the owner/management. After signing a contract and taking possession of an apartment, you will most likely have to pay a heavy fine and forfeit your deposit if you decide that you want to move prior to the end date listed on the contract.
- Most apartment contracts are for a 12-month period.
- Most apartment complexes require that you pay a deposit. The amount of the deposit is often equal to one month's rent.
- The vast majority of apartments in Winston-Salem are unfurnished. You will be responsible for furnishing your apartment. Most students do this by purchasing used or cheap furniture at local stores and thrift shops.
- The amount of rent you pay is usually a good reflection on the overall quality of an apartment. If the rent is cheap, the apartment may not offer some of the amenities that are found in the more expensive complexes.
- Your personal safety should be your highest ranked priority in looking for an apartment. If you have doubts about the overall safety of a certain property, please consult with the WFU Center for Int'l Studies prior to signing a contract.
- If you damage the apartment or leave it in a dirty state when you move out, you will be charged a repair/cleaning fee.
- You should not hesitate to call the management if you have a problem with your apartment, such as noisy neighbors, leaky faucet, etc.
- When you look at an apartment, make sure that you ask the management about any rent specials that they might have. Even if they don't have any advertised specials, many times they will give you some type of discount if you ask.
- Most apartments charge extra rent and/or deposit money for pets.
Utilities
Most apartment complexes will have a list of contact numbers for all utility services such as electricity, phone, cable TV, etc. Please keep in mind that you will probably have to pay a deposit in order to connect most utility services. Although you may be asked to provide a Social Security number, it is not necessary in order to receive service. The only companies that are unyielding in terms of requiring a Social Security number are the wireless/mobile phone providers.
Banking
Wachovia Bank is a large national bank. Almost all international students and scholars end up banking with Wachovia. When you open your account, you will apply for an automatic teller machine (ATM)/debit card. This card will arrive at your home residence a few days after opening your account. Although it can be used just like a credit card, keep in mind that it does not carry with it a line of credit. When you establish your account, you will need to have your passport with you. A Social Security number is not necessary in order to open an account with Wachovia. It usually takes about 30 minutes to complete all necessary paper work. As a foreign national, you will be required to complete a special form that provides additional information about funding sources, etc.
Wachovia Bank
Postal Service
There is a full service post office located at 229 Miller Street, less than a mile from the WFU Medical Campus.
Shopping
There are several shopping venues located within a relatively short distance from the campus. The stores listed here sell everything needed to get you started with life in the U.S. Keep in mind that this list offers only a small sampling of shopping opportunities available in the city of Winston-Salem.
Wal-Mart
(4550 Kester Mill Road)
This is the Wal-Mart located 2.1 miles from the WFU Medical Campus. In addition to Wal-Mart, there are a variety of other stores located in this shopping center. Wal-Mart is the biggest retailer in the U.S., and it sells just about everything that the university student needs to get started in a new residence. On average, Wal-Mart is one of the lowest cost retailers in the country.
Target
(1040 Hanes Mall Blvd)
Target is the second largest department store chain in the U.S. It carries a wide assortment of home goods, electronics, and clothing. Unlike Wal-Mart, it does not carry fresh meat, produce or vegetables, and its grocery selection is rather limited. On average, its prices are are little higher than those that you would expect to find at Wal-Mart.
Food Lion Grocery
(1415 S. Hawthorne Road)
This is a grocery store that is close to the WFU Medical Campus. It offers a full line of meats, produce, and other assorted grocery items.
Harris Teeter
(2281 Cloverdale Ave.)
This is another full-service grocery store located close to the WFU Medical Campus.
Golden India
(2837 Fairlawn Drive: Across from Reynolda Manor Shopping Center)
An Indian restaurant that has a small grocery store attached that sells all of the basic Indian lentils, grains, oils, spices, and vegetables
Social Security Number & N.C. Driver's License
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Social Security Number
An exchange visitor in J-1 status is eligible to obtain a Social Security number (SSN) in the U.S.
A SSN is required, in most instances, in order to establish mobile phone service with one of the major wireless companies. You will often be asked for a SSN because it has become the de-facto national ID in the U.S. When you apply for your Social Security number, you will need to present the following documents:
- DS-2019
- Passport
- I-94 card
- Letter confirming current employment and nonimmigrant status (can be obtained from the Center for Int'l Studies).
It usually takes 10-12 days after your initial entry to the U.S. for the USCIS to transfer your nonimmigrant information to the Social Security Administration. For this reason, you are asked to wait at least 10 days from your date of entry before applying for your Social Security number. The issuance of your number may be significantly delayed if you go to the office early and discover that your information is not in the database.
North Carolina Driver's License
Many international exchange visitors find it to be much more convenient in terms of identification purposes to obtain a North Carolina driver's license. A driver's license can stand as your official ID while you are in the U.S., therefore obviating the need to carry your passport with you at all times. Furthermore, many law enforcement officials are often confused when confronted with having to deal with an international and/or home country license.
In order to qualify to obtain a N.C. driver's license, you are only required to prove that you are residing in the U.S. in a legal nonimmigrant status and that you are a resident of the state of N.C. You will also need to show that you are covered by an automobile insurance policy (liability) when you take the written exam and the road skills test. Detailed instructions about how to apply for the license as well as registering a vehicle can be found at http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/.
If you plan on driving during your time in the U.S. but you do not plan on obtaining a U.S. driver's license, you should have an international license to accompany your valid home country license.
All sponsored dependents accompanying a J-1 exchange visitor will enter the U.S. in the J-2 category. All intending J-2 dependents are required to have a separate DS-2019 form and a machine-readable visa stamp in their passport in order to make a lawful entry to the U.S.
Due to personal circumstances, many dependents choose to follow the principal at a later date. This does not present a problem. The WFU Center for Int'l Studies can process a DS-2019 form for a dependent at any time as long as the J-1 principal is maintaining valid J-1 status.
Please keep in mind that the nonimmigrant status of any J-2 dependent is inextricably linked to the status of the J-1. If the J-1 violates his/her nonimmgrant status, the violation automatically affects the status of all J-2 dependents.
Definition of Dependent
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service has defined dependent for nonimmigrant purposes as a child who is under the age of 21 or a spouse. The category does not include those relatives who do not fall into one of these two classifications.
Dependents and the Two-Year Home Residence Rule
All J-2 dependents are automatically subject to the two-year home residence rule if it applies to the J-1 principal.
Remaining in the U.S.
Since all J-2 dependents rely on the J-1 for legal nonimmigrant status, it is not permitted for them to remain in the U.S. without the J-1 principal. This does not, however, apply to brief periods of time spent outside of the U.S. by the J-1 during the course of program participation.
Employment
J-2 dependents are allowed to pursue employment in the U.S. once an employment authorization document is obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Information Service. For detailed information on applying for this work benefit, please contact Kent Greer of the WFU Center for International Studies.
Social Security Number
A J-2 dependent is eligible to receive a social security number once he/she has obtained an employment authorization document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
J-2 Dependents and Study
All J-2 dependents are allowed to study on a full-time basis in a regular academic curriculum. A change of status to the student category (F-1) is not necessary.
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