Exchange Students

International Student Services

UT Tyler has bilateral exchange programs with partner universities overseas which allow for student mobility between the two institutions during a specific term. In a bilateral exchange program, selected UT Tyler students attend a partner university while maintaining their full-time enrollment status at UT Tyler. At the same time, selected students from the same partner university stay enrolled at their institutions but attend UT Tyler.

Once nominated by their home institution, exchange students must complete the application process.

Application Process

All inbound exchange students must apply as transient, non-degree-seeking students via Apply Texas. The application fee is waived for all exchange students. For admission requirements, visit Transient Student Admissions.

Supporting documents:

Transient Approval Form Current university transcript Passport ID-page scan

English proficiency (if required) Meningitis vaccination (if required)

J-1 Visa & DS-2019 Issuance

Exchange students are required to apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa to study in the United States. The first step in obtaining a J-1 visa is to obtain a Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. The Office of International Programs will issue a DS-2019 after proof of financial sponsorship is confirmed. The DS-2019 issuance requirements are listed below:

• Full admission to UT Tyler
• Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR)
• Sponsor Letter
• Bank Statement

After DS-2019 Issuance

As soon as you have received a DS-2019, you may pay the required I-901 (SEVIS) fee. Print out the automatically-generated I-901 payment confirmation receipt to present to your consular official on the day of your J visa interview appointment--which you must arrange separately by submitting the DS-160 application. Other items you must bring to your interview are listed on the Department of State page. For more information, visit the New International Student Checklist. 

Travel & Entry to the U.S.

Upon receiving your visa, travel plans to the U.S. and Tyler should be secured, and the travel plans submitted to your Study Abroad Advisor. US immigration regulations allow J-1 students to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their DS-2019. For more information on what to expect upon arrival in the US, visit Entering the U.S.

Upon Arrival in the U.S.

Mandatory Check-In

All new exchange students are required to confirm their arrival to the United States, provide their U.S. address, and U.S. phone number to validate their J-1 SEVIS records. Check-in can be completed online or in-person at the Office of International Programs.

International Student Orientation

International Student Orientation helps new international students get familiar and comfortable with campus. Throughout the day, students will go on a campus tour, learn about maintaining visa status, visit campus offices, and learn how to get involved on campus. This orientation is mandatory for all new international students and is typically held on the Thursday before the start of classes. Detailed information will be provided directly to students via email.

Mandatory Health Insurance

The University of Texas System Rule 50402 requires all J-1 student visa holders to be automatically enrolled in the UT System sponsored student health insurance plan titled UT System Student Health Insurance Program (UT SHIP). For student health insurance information, visit Health Insurance.

While in the U.S.

Maintain Your Visa Status

While studying in the United States, it's crucial to uphold your nonimmigrant visa status. As a J-1 student, meeting specific obligations is essential to maintain lawful immigration status, which include maintaining health insurance coverage, enrolling in a full course load, and reporting any change to your phone number and address. For further information, visit Maintaining J-1 Student Status.