The J-1 Exchange Visitor must possess English language skills sufficient to function on a day-to-day basis and to successfully participate in their program.  English language proficiency can be verified through one of the following:

• English Language Tests
  • English language test - TOEFL with a minimum score of 80
  • English language test - IELTS with a minimum score of 5.5
    TOEIC Listening and Reading Test with a minimum score of 400 on listening and 400 on reading
  • NEW! Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 75
• English Proficiency Interview can be conducted by one of the following:
  • Maryland English Institute
  • Overview of MEI process
  • Purchase a voucher and schedule an appointment
• Exceptions for citizens of English-speaking countries (see drop down list below). 
• Scholars who have received a degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. (with the exception of Puerto Rico) or a nationally recognized university in one of the countries on the list of English Speaking Countries do not need to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores.  This exemption also applies to scholars who are currently studying for a degree at an institution in the U.S. or one of the countries on the list of English Speaking Countries, but will receive their degree before beginning their appointment at the University of Maryland.

We do not accept foreign-based evaluation tools as proof of English proficiency, for we are unable to determine if the level of proficiency is equivalent to the minimums of the accepted evaluations listed above. It is important that all J-1 Exchange Visitors meet the same standards of English proficiency so they can successfully participate in their program, function in the U.S. on a daily basis, follow lab safety rules, and handle any emergency that may arise.