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 prospective J-1 Exchange Visitors possess 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 language of instruction was English:
- If the degree was obtained in an English-speaking country (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 (India, Pakistan, etc.), we need copy of the degree PLUS a letter from the degree-granting institution 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's letterhead,
- Issued within the last six months, and
- Signed by an English language school official.
or
- Evidence of passing a recognized English language exam (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTEA) within the past two years. 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 (English Proficiency Test, EPT).