English Language Ability documentation

The exchange visitor possesses sufficient proficiency in the English Language,  as determined by an objective measurement of English language proficiency, successfully to participate in his or her program and to function on a day-to-day basis.  A sponsor [University of Kansas is considered the sponsor when we issue the DS-2019] must verify an applicant’s English language proficiency through a recognized English language test, by signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school, or through a documented interview conducted by the sponsor either in-person or by videoconferencing, or by telephone if videoconferencing is not a viable option.

(From: Government document:  22 CFR 62.10 (a) (2), Requirements for J-1 Sponsorship)

Options to document English Proficiency

1. Submit scores from one of the following English tests.   Scores cannot be more than 2 years old and must meet the following minimum requirements. (See table below.)

2.  A J-1 scholar will be considered proficient in English if:

• He or she received a degree from a university in an English speaking country, (such as the U.S., Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada (except Quebec), Cook Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Grand Cayman, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, Trinidad/Tobago, United Kingdom).
• He or she taught at an accredited American school, international school, or school whose language of instruction is English within the last two years.  The school would need to provide a signed letter.
• He or she provides certified documentation of a Common European Framework (CERF) of B1.

3.  If the J-1 sholar cannot provide any of the above, they may request a Zoom interview with the Applied English Center. In the J-1 Scholar Application, this will be the interview option in the English language ability form.  Learn more about the oral interview. The scholar will be able to select several interview times with ranked preference.  Once the English language ability form is submitted in iHawk, the scholar will receive an email confirming their interview time period.  At the time of the interview the scholar will receive an email with a Zoom meeting URL.  The scholar will be asked to hold up their passport proving their identity.  The interview will then commence.  Once the interview is complete and graded, the hosting department can view the score report. If there any technical difficulties with the interview a second interview will be scheduled.