Visiting Scholars

Prospective Visiting Research Scholar

Before the J-1 request can proceed, the prospective scholar must complete the FGCU Foreign Influence Process.

• Complete the Foreign Influence Document Request Form.
• Upload all required documentation requested through the form.
• Submit the form as early as possible to allow sufficient time for review and processing.

Foreign Influence Document Request Form

Questions regarding the Foreign Influence Process:
Heather MacQueen — Hmacqueen@fgcu.edu

Responsibility: Prospective Visiting Research Scholar
Status required before proceeding: Foreign Influence screening completed/cleared.

FGCU Host + Prospective Visiting Research Scholar

After completion of the Foreign Influence Process, the FGCU Host and prospective scholar must complete and sign the Deemed Export Review Form.

• Complete the form together.
• Provide all requested information.
• Sign and submit the form.
• The completed form will automatically be routed to the appropriate Research Compliance personnel for review.

Research Compliance contact:

• Ms. Sherry Alexander — SrAlexander@fgcu.edu  
• The host or scholar may also provide Research Compliance with:

• Visiting scholar's current curriculum vitae (CV)
• FGCU offer/invitation letter
• Workday job posting, if applicable
• Other documentation requested during the review

Responsibility: FGCU Host + Prospective Visiting Research Scholar
Status required before proceeding: Deemed Export/Export Control review completed and cleared.

FGCU Host

Once the Foreign Influence Screening and Deemed Export Review have been completed and cleared, the FGCU Host may initiate the J-1 request process.

The FGCU Host should:

• Complete the Exchange Visitor Request Form. See the list of different available J-1 Exchange Visitor Categories and the respective program length. 
• Provide the requested information regarding the scholar, department, research activities, dates, funding, and hosting arrangements.
• Verification of J-1 Visiting Scholar's English Language Proficiency. (if from an English Language Speaking Country, please check the List of English Speaking Countries)
• Submit the completed form to the FGCU Global Engagement Office (see below).

Submit to:
Timothy W. Gjini, Ph.D.
Director of Global Engagement Office / RO & PDSO

Tgjini@fgcu.edu

Responsibility: FGCU Host

Prospective Visiting Research Scholar

The prospective scholar must complete and submit:

• Exchange Visitor Profile Form
• Alternative Insurance Form, if applicable

The Global Engagement Office will provide information regarding available insurance options and J-1 insurance requirements.

Submit to Global Engagement Office via email: Tgjini@fgcu.edu 

Responsibility: Prospective Visiting Research Scholar

Prospective Visiting Research Scholar and/or FGCU Host

The prospective scholar must demonstrate sufficient financial support for the entire period of the proposed J-1 program.

Acceptable documentation may include:

• Personal or institutional bank statements
• Official sponsorship documentation
• Scholarship or fellowship documentation
• An official letter from the scholar's home institution confirming continued salary support
• Other documentation demonstrating the source and amount of funding

If the scholar will continue receiving a salary from their home institution while participating in the FGCU program, the documentation should clearly indicate that the salary will continue for the duration of the proposed program.

Submit financial documentation along with the rest of the documents to the Global Engagement Office: Tgjini@fgcu.edu 

Responsibility: Prospective Scholar and/or FGCU Host 

FGCU Host

The FGCU Host must submit a Courtesy Faculty Researcher Appointment Request on behalf of the visiting research scholar.

Courtesy Faculty Researcher Appointment Request Form

For questions regarding the courtesy appointment process, contact:

Andi Clemons — Aclemons@fgcu.edu

Responsibility: FGCU Host

Global Engagement Office

The Global Engagement Office will prepare the scholar's Form DS-2019 after the required reviews and documentation have been completed.

The scholar should carefully review the DS-2019 for accuracy, including:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Program category
• Program start and end dates
• Funding information
• Institution information

Contact the Global Engagement Office promptly if any information appears incorrect.

Prospective Visiting Research Scholar

After receiving the DS-2019, the scholar should:

• Review the J-1 visa application requirements for the U.S. embassy or consulate where they will apply.
• Pay the applicable SEVIS I-901 fee, when required.
• Complete the DS-160.
• Schedule the J-1 visa interview, when required.
• Prepare the required visa documentation.
• Bring the DS-2019 and supporting documents to the visa interview.

The Global Engagement Office can provide general guidance regarding the J-1 process but does not control visa appointment availability or visa issuance decisions.

Prospective Visiting Research Scholar

Upon arrival in the United States and at FGCU, the scholar must complete the required arrival reporting process.

The scholar should report to:

• FGCU Global Engagement Office
• FGCU Host/Department
• FGCU Human Resources, if applicable

The Global Engagement Office will provide instructions regarding the required check-in and documentation.

Do not begin research activities until you have completed the required FGCU check-in and have received confirmation that your J-1 record is properly activated.

Prospective Visiting Research Scholar + FGCU Host

The scholar and host should coordinate completion of applicable university onboarding activities, which may include:

• HR onboarding and required training (only if J-1 scholar/visitor will be employed by or receive a stipend from FGCU) 
• FGCU identification/Eagle ID
• Technology and computer access
• Departmental orientation
• Research laboratory or facility access, if applicable
• Library access
• Building/access credentials
• Health insurance enrollment or verification
• Required compliance and research training
• Introduction to relevant FGCU personnel and resources

The FGCU Host should help the scholar become familiar with the department, research environment, workspace, and individuals with whom the scholar will collaborate.

Prospective Visiting Research Scholar

Depending on the scholar's circumstances and eligibility, the scholar may wish to establish the following after arrival:

Social Security Number

Scholars who are eligible to apply for a Social Security number should follow the applicable Social Security Administration procedures.

Step-by-Step Application Instructions

Florida Driver License or Identification Card

Scholars who need to drive or establish state identification should review the applicable Florida requirements. Please click here for the step-by-step application instructions.

U.S. Bank Account

A U.S. bank account may be useful for receiving funds, paying expenses, and managing day-to-day financial needs.

The Global Engagement Office can provide general information about these processes and identify resources available to international scholars.

Prospective Visiting Research Scholar + FGCU Host

Both the scholar and host share responsibility for maintaining an accurate and compliant J-1 program.

The scholar should:

• Maintain required health insurance coverage.
• Maintain valid J-1 status.
• Participate only in activities permitted under the J-1 program.
• Keep the Global Engagement Office informed of changes affecting the program.
• Maintain accurate contact information.
• Obtain appropriate authorization before making changes to the research program, funding, location, or other material aspects of the exchange program.
• Consult the Global Engagement Office before making significant changes to the approved program.

The FGCU Host should notify the Global Engagement Office of significant changes to the scholar's:

• Research activities
• Department or host faculty member
• Funding
• Program dates
• Work/research location
• Appointment status
• Program participation

The Global Engagement Office is available throughout the J-1 program to assist visiting research scholars and FGCU hosts with immigration-related questions and exchange visitor requirements.

FGCU Global Engagement Office
Florida Gulf Coast University
Timothy W. Gjini, Ph.D.
Director of Global Engagement Office / Primary Designated School Official & Responsible Officer Tgjini@fgcu.edu