»Resources for J-1 Scholars

After you receive your issued DS 2019 from Chapman University’s Responsible Officer (RO) you may begin your J-1 visa process for yourself and any accompanying dependents. You will need the original DS 2019 printed and signed for your visa interview and when you enter the United States.

Procedure for obtaining Your J-1 visa:

1. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
   • All exchange visitors must pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee online.
   • Print a copy of your payment confirmation and take it with you to visa appointment and when you entering United States.
   • Canadian Citizens- Must show proof of SEVIS I-901 Fee payment when entering the United States. Canadian Citizens do not need to apply for a visa.

2. Apply for a J-1 Visa
   • Visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for information about applying for your J-1 visa. You can also find your nearest embassy or consulate by visiting the U.S. Embassy website.

• After receiving your J-1 visa, check it for accuracy

Additional Information 

SEVIS Number on DS 2019:

• Your SEVIS number is located on the upper right-hand corner N00…….
• Chapman’s Program Number: P-1-10954

When to Travel:

• You are permitted to enter the United States only within 30 days of your program start date listed on the DS 2019.
• Carry all documents for you and any accompanying dependent(s): DS 2019, passport, J1 visa, SEVIS I-901 fee confirmation in your personal or carry-on bag, and not in your checked luggage.

When You Enter the United States:

• Present your DS 2019, passport, J1 visa, SEVIS I-901 fee confirmation and any accompanying dependent J2 documents at the immigration inspection.
• You are assigned an I-94 number that records your entry. You can learn more on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
• What to Expect at Port of Entry
• Airport Transportation Once You Land

Important Information

The Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure

Understanding the 12 and 24 Months Bars

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers

MEDICAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Exchange visiting scholars and accompanying dependent/s must have medical insurance coverage during their entire stay in the United States. Failure to do so can result in the termination of J1/J2 immigration status.

Medical Insurance Coverage Required by the Department of State (DOS):

$100,000 per accident or illness

$ 50,000 medical evacuation

$ 25,000 repatriation

Maximum deductible $ 500 per accident or illness

Please Note: Medical insurance coverage from third-party company, Gallagher Benefits Services and Chapman University Health benefits plan meet the requirements for DOS.

Important Dates for Insurance Requirement

• Medical insurance coverage or waiver verification from Gallagher Benefits Services is completed before arrival to the United States.
• Visiting scholars gain access to select medical insurance coverage through Gallagher Benefits Services only 30 days prior to program start date listed on the DS 2019.
• Insurance enrollment confirmation (Your IMG Documents) or waiver approval must be emailed to xlopez@chapman.edu and be complete by the first day of arrival.
• Visiting scholars being offered the Chapman University benefits plan, make selection during the first 30 days of contract start date.
• Medical insurance coverage for yourself + dependents must begin the first day of your arrival in the United States.

You cannot begin your program without medical insurance coverage.

Complete Medical Insurance Requirement

Insurance Requirement Guide for Visiting Scholar: Not Receiving Chapman Health Benefits

Insurance Requirement Guide for Visiting Scholar: Offered Chapman Health Benefits

As your BridgeUSA Sponsor, Chapman University is required to validate your program participation within thirty days of the program start date listed on your DS-2019.

Immigration validation and maintenance of your J1 and J2 (Dependent) status is monitored by the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Chapman University Contacts:

Responsible Officer (RO)

Xochitl Lopez

Alternate Responsible Officers (ARO)

Eileen Besner and Justin Ringor

COMPLETE IN WEEK 1

Immigration Check-in Exchange Visitor Requirement

IMMIGRATION VALIDATION- Schedule an appointment in advance with Xochitl Lopez at xlopez@chapman.edu

• You will receive a J-1 orientation, and your immigration record is validated.

SUBMIT IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS - Upon entry to the United States, you will upload and submit your documents electronically.

• Upload documents within 3 days upon arrival in the United States or within 3 days of receiving an approval notice from USCIS to change status to J-1. Without this validation, your immigration record will become inactive. 
• An individual whose immigration record is inactive may not participate in the J1 program or work and must depart the U. S.

OFA’s immigration check-in process cannot be completed without the required documentation listed below:

Prepare and electronically save the following documents for you and/or accompanying dependent(s) before proceeding to upload

You may upload screenshots, photos, and/or pdfs of the required documentation.  

• If you traveled to United States to gain J-1 status: Signed DS-2019 (by consular officer and scholar), Form I-94 entry record, and visa page in passport.

• If you changed your immigration status to J-1 by applying through USCIS: DS2019 and Form I-797 Approval Notice issued by USCIS.
• Accompanying J-2 dependents immigration documents (same as your J1 documents). Combine J-2 documents into one file.       

Have the following information ready:

• Emergency Contact Information
• Residential Address in the U.S.
  • A temporary address is acceptable. You cannot put university or lab address.
• U.S. Telephone Number
  • A U.S based telephone number is required to validate your record. You may list your U.S. mobile or academic department number.

Complete Immigration Check-in and Upload Documents

As J-1 Visiting exchange scholar it is your responsibility to:

• Maintain valid immigration documents while in the U.S.
  • Passport must be valid for entire J-1 program.
• Notify the Responsible Officer (RO) of a change of address within 10 days.
• Obtain and maintain health insurance that complies with regulatory requirements from the Department of State (DOS) for your entire program for self and any accompanying dependents.
  • Insurance information is found under Preparing for Arrival.

Medical Insurance Coverage Required by the Department of State (DOS):

$100,000 per accident or illness

$ 50,000 medical evacuation

$ 25,000 repatriation

Maximum deductible $ 500 per accident or illness

Please Note: Medical insurance coverage from third-party company, Gallagher Benefits Services and Chapman University Health benefits plan meet the requirements for DOS.

• Report international travel plans for either you or your dependent/s. Responsible Officer must approve travel on form DS 2019.
  • Email Xochitl Lopez, xlopez@chapman.edu for travel authorization
• Short-term engagements must be authorized by your academic program and Responsible Officer. Under J-1 provisions that allow for “occasional lectures and short-term consultations” at other institutions. This includes paid participation at conferences at other universities.
• Program Changes-Report to Responsible Officer if any of these may apply to you:
  • End J-1 program before DS-2019 end date.
  • Departing J2 dependents, and not planning to return.
  • Transferring to another institution
  • Extensions

Planning for Housing

Your academic department will assist with arranging housing for your stay. They can also provide guidance and support on finding housing surrounding one of the Chapman campuses.  

Chapman University Has Two Locations in Orange County:             

The Orange campus is in the city of Orange, California.

The Rinker campus is in the city of Irvine, California.

It is ideal for you to live in the city closest to the Chapman campus where you will do research/teach. You can see a map of Orange County by clicking here.

Housing costs in Orange County

Depending on your accommodation plans, housing costs can range from $1100 and above for a room rental to over $2800 and above for a small apartment or small house.

Temporary Lodging

 Find Lodging Near Chapman University

Information for Orange campus

Information for Rinker campus:

Apartments near Rinker Campus/ Irvine Spectrum area: Irvine Company Apartment Communities - see Centerpointe, Los Olivos, The Park, The Village.

If you are having trouble renting an apartment: Heritage Point in Irvine is international student and scholar friendly.

Transportation

BUSES, TRAINS & BIKE TRAILS: the following sites applies to taking the Bus, Riding a Bike or the Metrolink (commuter train). It has schedules and fees and allows you to map out your trip by entering your starting point and destination. It will then give you a detailed itinerary of how to get where you want to go by either bus or train (Metrolink).

Rideshare Incentives for Chapman Members

Real-time Shuttle Tracking: Chapman Campus shuttle guide. View a live map of each route displaying the vehicle's location and estimated arrival times.

OCTA Bus System Trip Planner: There are several stops on the Orange County Transit Authority’s bus lines that will get you to campus.

CA Department of Transportation: Make sure to check the traffic before making your commute!

Metrolink (Commuter Train) View schedules and fees and allows you to map out your trip by entering your starting point and destination.

Information on Purchasing a Car in California

Near Orange Campus

1. AT&T
   125 S. Main St. STE A
   Orange, CA 92868
   714-538-5700
   
   
2. T-Mobile
   146 S. Main St., #4A
   Orange, CA 92868
   714-938-0779
   
   
3. Verizon
   691 S. Main St., Ste 80
   Orange, CA 92868
   714-564-0050

Near Rinker Campus

1. Verizon Irvine Spectrum
   649 Spectrum Center Dr.
   Irvine, CA 92618
   
   
2. T-Mobile Irvine Spectrum
   504 Spectrum Center Dr.
   Irvine, CA 92618
   
   
3. Walmart (for T-Mobile + economical shopping)
   71 Technology Dr.
   Irvine, CA 92618

Before Going to Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinics:

• The Urgent Care and Walk-in clinics found here is only for visiting scholars with the United Healthcare Global-IMG coverage offered by Gallagher Benefits Services.
• Visiting scholars with a Chapman medical plan (Kaiser or Cigna). Please contact your insurance provider (Kaiser or Cigna) for the nearest Urgent Care facility. Contact information is listed on your insurance card.
• Visiting Scholars with their own medical insurance coverage need to contact member services of their insurance provider to find nearest Urgent care facility.

Locations for Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinics

Visiting exchange scholars are eligible to open a U.S. bank account. You do not need a social security number to open a bank account in the U.S.

International exchange scholars will need the following documents to open a U.S. bank account:

• Valid passport
• J Visa
• Valid DS-2019
• I-94 Printout
• Permanent residence address (address outside of the U.S.)
• U.S. physical address (only one document is required):
  • Government issued ID with photo
  • Current utility bill / rental agreement
• Additional form of identification
  • Driver’s license (U.S. or foreign)
  • Chapman ID
  • Debit or credit card
  • Chapman Contract/Courtesy letter

Banking Options Near Campus

It is important you research your banking options to see which one best fits your financial needs.

Local Wells Fargo Banks

Wells Fargo has branches within easy walking distance of our Orange Campus and 2 miles/3 kilometers from our Rinker Campus:

• Wells Fargo near Orange Campus: 101 E Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92866
• Wells Fargo near Rinker Campus: 15771 Rockfield Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618

Other Local Banks near Orange Campus

The following banks are within 2 miles (3 kilometers) of our Orange Campus.

• Bank of America: 941 N. Tustin St., Orange, CA 92867
• Chase Bank: 225 N. Tustin St., Orange, CA 92866
• Citibank: 108 E Katella Ave, Orange, CA 92867

What is a Social Security Number?

• A Social Security number (SSN) is a unique identification number assigned for life. This number will never change, and is tied to a single person's identity. 
• An SSN is used to report wages to the U.S. government when filing taxes. Everyone who works in the U.S., even non-immigrants, are required to have a Social Security number.
• A Social Security number is not a work permit.

Who needs a Social Security Number?

Visiting exchange scholars who have been offered a paid position at Chapman University will be approved for an SSN. Non-U.S. citizens will not be granted an SSN without work authorization. 

Apply for a Social Security number and card once you are physically present in the United States and have received approval from Responsible Officer after your J-1 record is validated in the SEVIS system.

What to take to the Social Security Administration Office

You must take the completed SSN application and original immigration documents to a local Social Security Administration Office.

• Completed SSN Application
• Chapman University Contract Letter
• DS 2019 (Signed by J-1 scholar)
• Valid Passport
• J-1 Visa
• I-94 Entry Record (printed record is acceptable)

The Social Security Office will mail your card to the address you provide in your application (make sure to give a valid local address).

A Social Security number is not required for other purposes, such as:

• Opening a bank account
• Renting an apartment off campus
• Getting a driver’s license

To establish your identity with these institutions, you may provide alternate evidence of your identity and records of your financial transactions.

Nearby Social Security Offices

Please check the office’s hours of operation before arriving. You may find other locations online. 

Orange Campus

Anaheim
900 S. Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805

Santa Ana
1851 E. First St., Suite 500
Santa Ana, CA, 92705

Fountain Valley
17075 Newhope St., Suite B
Fountain Valley, CA, 92708

Rinker Campus

Mission Viejo
23311 Madero
Mission Viejo, CA 92691

For more information about Social Security cards, please visit Social Security Administration. They also provide information in several languages.

Contact Information

Telephone (800) 772-1213

Typically, open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

If U.S. money is earned from Chapman University exchange visitors must file federal tax forms every year that they are in the U.S. The deadlines to file the forms are April 15^th.

For tax purposes, Chapman uses a software system called Glacier.

You will receive an email from support@online-tax.net which will ask that you set up an account in Glacier. Complete the tax questionnaire and follow instructions regarding submission.

If you have questions about the Glacier questionnaire, please email Rosie Garcia: rogarcia@chapman.edu.

Getting your driver’s license or purchasing a car in California

• A California Driver’s License is required to purchase a car and obtain auto insurance. 
• As a visiting exchange scholar on an J-1 visa, you must obtain a California’s driver's license. As a non-tourist, your foreign driver’s licenses are valid for only 10 days. 
• A Social Security Number is not required in the state of California to obtain a driver’s license. 
• California does not recognize International Driving Permits (IDP) as valid driver's licenses. 
• If you are not planning to drive, you may obtain a California Identification (ID) Card This is an easily recognizable form of identification in the U.S.

Steps to Obtain a California Driver’s License without a Social Security Number

California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a guide for obtaining your driver’s license, as well as the latest California Driver’s Handbook, which includes instructions on how to apply for a Driver’s License. 

Step 1: Complete driver’s license application

Fill out the application for a Driver’s License online and pay the application fee.

Step 2: Schedule a DMV appointment

Use the DMV online service to schedule your appointment. You will need to bring the following documents to the DMV:

• Valid passport
• Visa
• Printout of I-94 record
• DS-2019
• Two residency documents(see examples below of acceptable residency documents)

Step 3: Pass the knowledge and driving tests. 

Prepare for the written and driving tests. It is recommended to review the DMV’s Educational Materials for more information on these tests Note that.

Local DMV Offices
The closest DMV offices to Chapman’s Orange Campus are below. The links will take you to a Google Maps page for driving directions:

• Santa Ana (6 miles/10 kilometers from campus)
• Fullerton (10 miles/16 kilometers from campus)
• Westminster (10 miles/16 kilometers from campus)
• Costa Mesa (14 miles/23 kilometers from campus)

Examples of Acceptable Residency Documents

Any of the following that include your address in California: 

• Rental or lease agreement with the signature of the tenant/resident.
• Home utility bills (including cell phone).
• Medical documents.
• Insurance documents, including medical, dental, vision, life and rental.
• Bank or credit card documents.
• Any document issued by a country, state, county.

You can find the full list of documents here that are acceptable as proof of California residency.

Instructions for academic departments that want to sponsor a J-1 research scholar/professor:

1. Sponsoring department completes DS 2019 Host Department Request and collects Visiting Scholar Information Forms and supporting documentation. Completed requests must be submitted to the Responsible Officer, Xochitl Lopez.
2. Instruct perspective Visiting Exchange Scholar to complete Visiting Scholar Information Forms.

Contact Xochitl Lopez who oversees immigration processing; however, depending on which department is assisting you with your invitation, other paperwork will be required.