Checklist (Scholar) - J1 Scholars - Required Documents to Upload
The J-1 Scholar is responsible for uploading the following documents into Terra Dotta for J-1 applications: 
  • Upload documents into relevant categories and subcategories below
  • Keep file sizes under 2MB
Please only provide PDFs of documents when at all possible. Other document formats have caused sizing, legibility, and other similar issues. If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, you can use these instructions to scan a document to create a PDF. If you have an Android device, you can use these instructions to scan a document into your Google Drive as a PDF.
Required Document Upload under this category/subcategory in TDS
Passport
  • Biographical page only, unless directed otherwise by IFSS
  • Must be valid at least 6 months beyond the appointment start date
 Required Documents: Passport Identity Page
Dependent passport identity pages
  • Biographical page only, unless directed otherwise by IFSS
  • Must be valid at least 6 months beyond the appointment start date
 Required Documents: Dependent passport identity pages
Financial support documentation
Getting paid by the UW? Your department will upload your appointment letter that states your UW salary.
  • If your UW salary meets or exceeds the required financial support limits (see J-1 and J-2 Expenses), no other financial documents are needed.
  • If your UW salary does not meet the minimum financial support limit required, you will need to provide additional financial documentation until your total financial support (UW salary plus any other additional support) meets the minimum.
Not paid by the UW? You will need to upload documents to show that you have adequate funds or monies to participate in and complete your J-1 program, as well as enough money to support your spouse and dependents, if any. Refer to J-1 and J-2 Expenses for the required minimum support you are required to show while at UW-Madison. Examples of financial support may include, but are not limited to:
  • Recent bank statements from you or the person supporting your program
  • Scholarship letters
  • Letter from your current employer, if you will remain employed by that employer while in the US (the letter should specifically state that you will continue to receive your salary while abroad)
Please be sure that:
  • All documents show the currency
  • Bank statements must be dated
  • Documents that are not in English, must be translated into English – see our Translator Information
 Required Documents: financial support documentation
Proof of English language proficiency
  • Proof of graduation from a U.S. or foreign institution where the instruction occurred entirely in English (graduation date within the last 5 years)
  • A signed letter from an internationally-recognized academic institution or English curriculum school that states the prospective visitor's level of English proficiency. The letter must be dated within the last two years, state the scholar's affiliation with the school, and affirm the visitor achieved at least intermediate skills. 
  • Copy of official scores or transcript  containing a photo and birth date from one of the following English language tests taken within the last year and meeting the stated minimum scores below: 
    • TOEFL: iBT--65 total (with the speaking portion scoring no less than 17) or Paper--525 total
    • IELTS: 6 total with no portion scored less than 5
    • Duolingo English Test: 95 total
    • Cambridge Assessment: 169 total (either on the B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency tests only)
    • No other testing scores or certificates from other centers or English language schools will be accepted.
Please note: if an interview assessment is used as proof of English proficiency, the host department must upload this test, not the scholar. 		 Required Documents: proof of English language proficiency
Dependent documentation (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
  • If the original is not in English, please provide a translation as well. 
 Required Documents: Other
If you have had any other immigration status in the past, please upload relevant documents here Optional Documents: Previous EV History
Current resume or CV  Optional Documents: Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Degree certificate, diploma, or other proof of graduation* 
  • New graduates who do not yet have a degree certificate may obtain a letter from the Registrar's Office confirming you have met the graduation requirements. Letter must be on letterhead and include your name, degree, and field of study. 
  • English translation required, if degree certificate is not in English. 
*Please note that if you are not able to provide a diploma or proof of degree awarded then you may need to obtain a credential evaluation. Getting a credential evaluation does not guarantee you will be eligible for J-1 sponsorship.  		 Optional Documents: Diploma
All DS-2019s (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status)
  • Required only if you are currently a J-1 scholar, or if you have held J-1 or J-2 status in the past two years
 Optional Documents: Other
Most recent Form I-94
  • Required only if in the United States when the J-1 petition is filed
  • Obtained online at http://www.cbp.gov/i94
  • If you entered via land border, you may have been issued a paper Form I-94 that was stapled into your passport
 Optional Documents: Other
Most recent I-20
  • Required only if in the United States when the J-1 petition is filed
  • Required only if you are currently in F-1 status or an F-2 dependent
  • Please include all pages
 Optional Documents: Other
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • Required only if in the United States when the J-1 petition is filed
  • Front and back of document
  • Required only if you have a current EAD card for employment authorization (ex: J-2 EAD, H-4 EAD, OPT or STEM OPT EAD, etc)
 Optional Documents: Other
To determine where your application is in the process, please reference this document for what each phase/status in Terra Dotta means.