J-1 EV Scholar Orientation
The Office of International Services supports incoming J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholars through individual advising and group events like our virtual pre-arrival sessions and on-campus orientations. See below for details on each option and reach out to an OIS advisor at oisj1@uic.edu with questions.
Exchange Visitor Scholar Virtual Pre-Arrival Session Heading link
During the virtual pre-arrival session OIS advisors will answer questions about your U.S. immigration documents, OIS check-in process, housing resources, insurance requirements, and more. These sessions are intended for scholars in ‘initial’ status currently located outside the U.S. See below for upcoming session dates and click through for details and registration information.
Upcoming Virtual Exchange Visitor Scholar Pre-Arrival Sessions Heading link
J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholar Pre-Arrival Q&A Session, January 2025
J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholar Pre-Arrival Q&A Session, February 2025
J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholar Pre-Arrival Q&A Session, March 2025
J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholar Pre-Arrival Q&A Session, April 2025
Exchange Visitor Scholar Orientations Heading link
The U.S. Department of State requires that new J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholars attend an orientation session hosted by their Program Sponsor. During your check-in meeting, we will register you for the next available J-1 EV Scholar Orientation. If you have any scheduling conflicts, please let us know, so that we can register you accordingly.
Topics covered during the J-1 EV Scholar Orientation include the purpose of the Exchange Visitor (EV) Program, EV immigration documents, maintaining EV status, post-program processes, domestic and international travel, safety and UIC resources, cultural adjustment and culture shock, exploring UIC and Chicago.
Upcoming J-1 EV Scholar Orientations Heading link
J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholar Orientation, January 2025
J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholar Orientation, February 2025
J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholar Orientation, March 2025
J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholar Orientation, April 2025
J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholar Orientation, May 2025
J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholar Orientation, June 2025
Connecting with your host department Heading link
Shortly after arriving in Illinois, connect with your host department at UIC to notify them of your arrival. Additionally, your host department is your main contact for questions relating to your UIC appointment/position. They can assist you with the following (pending eligibility):
- Payroll and Benefits Questions, if applicable
- University Identification Number (UIN)
- UIC Email Address and NetID
- UIC Identification Card: i-card or visitor card ($10 fee), based on appointment status
- 2 ID Center locations: Student Center East (SCE) and West (SCW)
- UIC ID Card required to board campus shuttle
- Access to any campus buildings requiring a UIC Identification Card must be requested by your host department (e.g. accessing the library)