Applying for a J-1 Visa
Meharry Medical College has been approved by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor J-1 Research Scholars participating in academic research, teaching and observation at Meharry.
Individuals use the J-1 Research Scholar program for official appointments such as visiting faculty, postdoctoral or postgraduate fellows and associates, as well as other temporary academic appointments.
The J-1 visa cannot be used for ladder-track or tenured appointments as well as Managerial and Professional (M&P) or Clerical and Technical (C&T) positions. Permanent or long term academic or non academic staff positions are prohibited.
Initial Steps in J-1 Process
- The host Meharry department must determine that the individual has the appropriate academic credentials, funding support and English language proficiency.
- The department requests a Meharry appointment title, and submits data to the International Office.
- The International Office prints a Form DS-2019 which is mailed to the scholar.
- The SEVIS Fee must be paid.
Pre-Application Checklist
Before you begin the visa application process, you must have the following documents:
- Form DS-2019 (Sent to you in the mail from Meharry after you have accepted an appointment offer). Your DS-2019 is required when applying for a J-1 Research Scholar visa at an American embassy or consulate and for entry into the United States. The DS-2019 has been produced by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and is an acknowledgement that your record is in the SEVIS system. The form includes your SEVIS ID number, which is found in the upper right hand corner above the bar code (starting with an N) and Meharry’s program number in section two (2).
- SEVIS Fee Receipt. All new scholars coming in J-1 status must pay a SEVIS fee prior to applying for your visa.
- Additional DS-2019 Forms. If you have family members traveling with you in J-2 status, each J-2 dependent (spouse and child(ren) only) should have his or her own DS-2019 form. Meharry will issue a DS-2019(s) through SEVIS for their use.
The Application Process
You must apply for your visa well in advance of your arrival. In some instances it can take several weeks, and occasionally longer, to obtain the J-1 Research Scholar visa.
To apply for a U.S. visa, you will need to present the following documents at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest to you:
- Your Form DS-2019
- The SEVIS Fee receipt
- A copy of your financial support documents, i.e. evidence that you have sufficient funds to meet the expenses of studying at Meharry, e.g. bank statement.
In addition, the application for a U.S. visa requires you to present:
- A valid passport
- Passport-size photographs
- Completed visa applications forms (Visa application forms are available on individual consular websites.)
An application fee and an interview will also be required.
There have been (and continue to be) changes in the visa application process and these changes are usually reflected on the consular websites.
A Final Note
If the U.S. consulate has any questions regarding your Meharry appointment, please contact the International Office. And if your visa application is delayed or denied for any reason, please contact the International Office and your Meharry sponsoring department immediately.
Safe travels and we look forward to meeting you when you arrive in Nashville!