Frequently Asked Questions

Connect with your International Office. Please see the Application Form here.

• As early as possible! We recommend submitting application materials at least 4 months in advance of the intended program start date.
• Applications cannot be accepted if submitted within 35 days before the program start date, and those submitted within 45 days of the program start date will incur an additional fee. Visa processing can take 2-12+ weeks depending on the country and cannot be approved after the program start date has passed. Check visa interview wait times here.

Please see the Arrival Verification Form. This needs to be submitted to the International Office at the university. TIEC must receive this within 14 days of the program start date, or an expedited fee will be charged. Failure to submit this within 25 days of the program start date may result in the program being canceled.

For an extension, we will need to receive at least 30 days before their current program ends an updated letter of invitation that includes:

• Proof of continued funding ($1800 minimum + $500 per dependent, per month) based on length of extension, and justification for the program extension (and if there are any additional program activities) 
• Proof of continued health insurance for each scholar and dependent

• For travel longer than 30 days: At least 30 days prior to travel, Exchange Visitors need to submit to us this Request Form and a letter of approval from their direct supervisor.
• For travel shorter than 30 days: At least 2 weeks prior to travel, Exchange Visitors need to send us the dates, purpose, and location of travel.

If your current health insurance expires, please send us your renewed proof of insurance. It is a U.S. government requirement for us to have your current insurance information on file.

Email us your new address, phone number, or email address within 10 days of the change.

You must inform us PRIOR to leaving (and after discussing with your direct supervisor).

In order to invite a scholar from another university in the U.S. who is already on a J-1 program, we will need to receive the following information at least 30 days prior to their program start date at the new university:

• Application Form
• TIEC Transfer-In Form 
• Copy of DS-2019(s), passport(s), I-94(s), visa(s)
• Letter of invitation from direct supervisor (that includes job responsibilities and funding and proof of funding
• CV
• English proficiency proof

It is very important to fill out this Incident Report Form in case of a serious incident.

Here are some great tips of things check before you leave your home country:

• Please look at the Arrival Verification Form so you are aware of what you will need to bring to your orientation at your host university.
• It is helpful to purchase your insurance before you arrive. Your university might offer health insurance to you as part of your program, but you can also purchase insurance through TIEC by contacting us. Insurance provided by your university might not provide coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, and insurance through TIEC meets all requirements of the J program.
• Make travel plans to allow sufficient time to familiarize yourself with your host university. J-1 exchange visitors may arrive up to 30 days before the program start date listed on the DS-2019.
• Weather in Texas can be extreme! We have an average of 300 sunny days per year, and summer temps can be intense. But we do have freezing temperatures on occasion, especially in January and February. Pack a variety of clothing for all seasons, including a warm overcoat and summer attire.
• Consider bringing some traditional/national clothing to wear for cultural events.
• Exchange some currency to U.S. dollars either before leaving or at the airport. A mix of $5, $10, & $20 bills will be helpful. Determine transportation from airport to the university or your housing. Most airports have taxis, shuttles, and ride-share services like Uber or Lyft available.
• Ensure you have all required immunizations or arrange to get them. Your university can tell you what (if any) immunizations they require.
• Bring all prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions you will need during your stay.
• Check with your university for help with housing arrangements.