International scholars who are applying for J-1 Exchange Visitor visas must comply
with the U.S. State Department requirements to demonstrate English language proficiency
that is sufficient: (1) to participate successfully in their exchange programs; and
(2) to function on a day-to-day basis in the United States [22 CFR §62.10(a)(2)].
The host faculty must verify an applicant’s English language proficiency through a
recognized English language test by a signed documentation from an academic institution
or English language school, or through a documented interview conducted by the sponsor
(either in-person or by video conference).
If the host faculty member cannot firmly establish sufficient English proficiency,
then it is not appropriate to request a DS-2019 for the J-1 scholar, as they are not
eligible for a J-1 status.
Ways to verify English proficiency
Waived by virtue of permanent residence in one of the exempt countries
If the scholar is a permanent resident of one of the countries listed here, they are eligible to be waived from the English proficiency requirement.
In that case, the host department must produce a letter on the department letterhead,
that states that the scholar is exempt from the English proficiency requirement since
they are a permanent resident of <insert country name>. This document/letter should be uploaded while filling the Google form for requesting
a DS-2019.
Degrees earned from an English-medium institution of higher education
If a scholar has earned a degree (BA, BS, MA, or PhD) from an English-medium institution
of higher education, they may also be eligible for an exemption from the English proficiency
requirement. In this case, scholars must provide a transcript or diploma from an internationally-recognized
institution of higher education indicating that an English-medium degree program was
completed.
For institutions located outside the United States, the transcript should confirm
that English was the primary language of instruction for the degree program completed.
Completed degrees in which only some courses were conducted in English, or degrees
earned exclusively through online coursework, cannot be used as evidence of English
language proficiency.
Internationally-recognized test of English
Scholars must provide official results from one of the standardized tests below for
verification and certification of oral proficiency in English.
A passing proficiency rating from Michigan Tech’s own English language assessment
The Visiting Scholar English Language Assessment is designed to help ensure that scholars are able to use language at a level that
would allow them to be self-sufficient in the community while conducting their research.
With this assessment, scholars are interviewed for approximately 15-30 minutes. They
receive several pictures and are asked questions about each photo. The questions range
from descriptive to abstract. Two raters are present to ensure objectivity. The scholar
must score a rating of 3 or more.
The assessments must be requested through a department coordinator and paid for when
scheduling. (Please note, during Summer (May-August), it may take up to two weeks to schedule, conduct, and rate the assessment). These assessments cost $25 each.
For more information about the assessment (including the procedure to schedule it),
please visit the Graduate School’s webpage.
Improving your English communication skills after coming to Michigan Tech
Scholars may register with the Graduate Language Assessment and Support (GLAS), which is a free program offered by the Graduate School, to help international graduate
students improve their English oral communication skills. Through small-group conversations,
students gain experience about participating in class discussions, responding to questions,
and listening effectively. GLAS coaches work with students to help them better understand
US university expectations, and what students and instructors expect from each other
in classrooms. Visit the GLAS page for more information and to schedule appointments.
J-2 dependents who wish to improve their English communication skills may join the Elaine Bacon
Literacy Program. The Program is compiled of individual one-on-one classes as well
as conversations with a "conversation partner". Please visit the Elaine Bacon website for scheduling classes and for further information.
