J-1 Research Scholar, Professor, Short-Term Scholar & Specialist English Language Proficiency Requirement
International Faculty & Scholars, Office of Global Initiatives
Effective January 5, 2015, the Department of State (DOS) now mandates that J-1 exchange visitors possess sufficient English language proficiency, as determined by an objective measurement.
Specifically, 22 CFR 62.10(a)(2) provides:
The exchange visitor possesses sufficient proficiency in the English language, as determined by an objective measurement of English language proficiency through a recognized English language test, by signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school, or through a documented interview conducted by the sponsor either in-person or by videoconferencing, or by telephone if videoconferencing is not a viable option.
To comply with these new regulations, International Faculty & Scholars (IFS) will now require all initial DS-2019 requests for Research Scholars, Professors, Short-Term Scholars, and Specialists to include documentary proof of one of the following seven objective measurements of English language proficiency.
RECOGNIZED ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST
A score sheet from one of the following four tests indicating that the prospective exchange visitor has taken the test within the past two years and obtained at least the minimum score indicated. This list is exhaustive and each test was chosen specifically because it includes both a speaking and listening component.
Please see attached PDF for details.
SIGNED DOCUMENTATION FROM AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL
A signed letter from an internationally recognized English language school affirming that they have assessed the prospective exchange visitor’s English language proficiency within the past two years at the equivalent of level B2 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). Further, the letter must indicate: (1) any and all accreditations possessed by the school; (2) the method of English language proficiency assessment; (3) the date of assessment; and (4) the dates the prospective exchange visitor attended courses at the school.
DOCUMENTED INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY A UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA (UA) CENTER FOR ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (CESL) ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST
A score sheet completed by a UA CESL assessment specialist, dated within the past two years, indicating that the prospective exchange visitor possesses English language proficiency at the equivalent of level B2 or higher on the CEFR. For more information regarding UA CESL’s Skype assessment, please visit https://ceslapp.arizona.edu/admissions/vscholars/ [1] or email Eddy White at ewhite3@email.arizona.edu [2].
IFS has adopted CESL’s Skype assessment as our only accepted form of documented interview because it meets each of the DOS requirements regarding measurement of English language proficiency. Namely, it is standardized, which negates any appearance of impropriety in the event of a DOS audit of our institutional policy, and it is documented via score sheet based on the CEFR – a recognized set of guidelines measuring language proficiency.
DEGREE FROM ACADEMIC INSTITUTION UTILIZING ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION
A diploma (bachelor’s degree or higher) issued by an academic institution that utilizes English language instruction. In addition to submitting the diploma, verification that the institution utilizes English language instruction must also be submitted. Verification of English language instruction could take on many forms, including but not limited to a printout of the institution’s website or signed documentation from an official at the institution, but personal attestations from prospective exchange visitors and parties not affiliated with the institution will not be accepted as verification.
English language proficiency is now an eligibility requirement for participation in the Exchange Visitor Program and failure to adequately meet the requirement prohibits the issuance of Form DS-2019. Falsification of any of the abovementioned documents for the purpose of circumventing the English language proficiency requirement shall result in the termination of an exchange visitor’s J-1 program.