Sample English Language Proficiency Interview Letter

A documented interview may be used as one objective measure of English language proficiency for prospective J-1 Exchange Visitors in the Research Scholar, Professor, or Short-Term Scholar categories.

Alternatively, English language proficiency may be demonstrated through:

• A recognized English language proficiency examination (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS); or
• Signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school confirming the individual's English language proficiency.

Instructions:

• The letter must be printed on official university or institutional letterhead.
• The letter must contain an original signature.
• The Host Department must retain the original letter and make it available to the U.S. Department of State upon request.

Sample Interview Letter

[Date]

Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible Officer
Visa and Immigration Services
Stony Brook University

Dear Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible Officer,

I am a full-time faculty member in the [Host Department, School, or College] at [Institution Name].

If the interview was not conducted by the scholar's faculty supervisor, briefly describe your position, your relationship to the faculty supervisor, and your role within the Host Department.

On [Date], I interviewed [Scholar's Full Name] by [in-person / videoconference / telephone] to assess their English language proficiency.

If the interview was conducted by telephone, explain why a videoconference was not feasible and describe the steps taken to verify the identity of the interviewee.

The interview took place at [Time], lasted approximately [Duration], and was conducted [Location or Virtual Platform].

During the interview, we discussed [brief description of topics discussed, such as the scholar's research, academic background, proposed activities at Stony Brook University, and general conversational topics].

Based on my assessment, [Scholar's Full Name] demonstrated sufficient English language proficiency to:

• Participate successfully in the proposed J-1 Exchange Visitor Program;
• Communicate effectively in an academic and professional environment; and
• Function on a day-to-day basis while living in the United States.

I certify that this evaluation was conducted as an objective assessment of the scholar's English language proficiency. I understand that this documentation will be retained by the Host Department and made available to the U.S. Department of State upon request.

Sincerely,

[Name]
[Title]
[Department]
[Institution]
[Address]
[Email Address]
[Telephone Number]