International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is responsible for coordinating the U.S. Department of State J-1 Exchange Visitor Program for all of Texas A&M University, including Engineering, AgriLife, TTI, College Station, Galveston, the School of Law, and the Health Science Center. In 2019, the $350 J-1 Scholar Operational Fee was established as a required fee for J-1 professors, researchers, short-term scholars, and student interns. This fee is for cultural programming and services rendered to J-1 scholars by ISSS throughout their experience at Texas A&M University.

Effective October 1, 2024:

• The hosting department, college, or school, not the J-1 exchange visitor, is responsible for paying the fee.
  
• The hosting unit does not have to pay the fee until after the J-1 exchange visitor arrives in the United States.
• The hosting unit must pay the fee within 30 days after the J-1 exchange visitor arrives in the United States.
• The hosting unit must pay the fee through the TAMU Marketplace using a credit card.
• International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will not accept any other forms of payment.

As a general reminder, the J-1 exchange visitor program is managed by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). The J-1 exchange visitor program's main purpose is to be an educational and cultural exchange program. The primary purpose is not employment, though employment is permitted in many categories. DOS is very engaged in monitoring the experience of J-1 exchange visitors in the U.S. and requires host institutions to provide cultural programs, orientation, and support services. ISSS and Texas A&M University are required to comply with the DOS Incident Report Rubric.

Please email ISSS at [email protected] if you have any questions about the J-1 Scholar Operational Fee or any other matter related to the J-1 exchange visitor program at Texas A&M University.