US Department of State regulations requires J-1 exchange visitor sponsors, such as UAB, to document English proficiency sufficient to “function on a day-to-day basis in the [academic] environment” for all visitors who are non-native English speakers or who are not residents/citizens of a country where English is an official language.
The rationale for this requirement is “The Department believes that not only is an exchange visitor's success in his or her particular program dependent upon sufficient English language capability, but good English communication skills are essential to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of exchange visitors. Moreover, the Department continues to find that too many exchange visitors lack sufficient English proficiency to perform their jobs or complete their academic programs; to navigate daily life in the United States; to read and comprehend program materials; to understand fully their responsibilities, rights, and protections; and to know how to obtain assistance, if necessary.”
As a program sponsor, UAB must verify and document that the prospective J-1 Exchange Visitor possesses sufficient proficiency in the English language.
Acceptable methods of English verification at UAB for J-1 purposes are (one method is sufficient):
- Proof of graduation from a four-year institution where the curriculum was conducted in English:
- If the degree was obtained in an English-speaking country (like UK, US, Canada, Australia etc.) we simply need copy of the degree.
- If the degree was obtained in a country where English is not the official language (like India, Pakistan etc.), we need copy of the degree, as well as a letter from the University certifying that the medium of instruction was English.
or
- Signed documentation from an English language school confirming speaking, writing, reading, and listening comprehension proficiency. The certification must:
- Be issued on the English Language School letterhead
- Be issued within the last 6 months
- Include signature from the school official,
or
- Evidence of passing a recognized English language exam within the last 2 years, such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTEA. The minimum scores are:
- TOEFL – minimum iBT of 55
- IELTS – minimum 4.5 overall with at least 4.0 on each section
- Duolingo – minimum 80
- PTEA – minimum 40
- OET – minimum D level
or
- Online video assessment by one of UAB’s professional teachers of English as a Second Language – EPT.