Procedures for Visas

• Visas will be for a period of one year or longer.
• Visa will begin either in January or July of each year.
• Complete Visa Applications will only be accepted in March and October.
   
  *PLEASE NOTE that visas are taking up to six months to complete. If you are planning on having a scholar start here in January, all paperwork must be submitted in March the prior year (i.e., submit paperwork in March 2016 for a January 2017 start date). If you want them to start in July, all paperwork must be submitted by the October deadline.
• A complete visa application consists of the following paperwork:
  • A completed SMD J-1 Scholar Job Code Proposal Form (Just the information needs to be completed by the PI, signatures will be obtained by Administrator)
  • Completed J-1 English Proficiency Assessment Form, with supporting documentation
  • Completed J-1 Exchange Visitor Questionnaire
  • A photograph of the J-1 application with name printed on the back (different than passport photo)
  • Copy of identity pages of a valid passport
  • Copy of CV
  • Proof of permanent residency if applicant is a citizen of one country, but legal permanent resident of another
  • If applicant is not going to be paid through the University, applicant MUST provide proof of funding and it must be:
    • Written in English
    • On letterhead from the funding source
    • Signed by someone with the authority to dispense the funds from the funding organization
    • Include specific dates of funding coverage (i.e., 7/1/16-6/30/18 and not July 2016)
    • Include amount of funding in US DOLLARS
    • If home country is paying for health insurance, it must also be clearly written in the funding letter. Health insurance is approximately $7,500 each year. Please note that postdoc may not use their salary to purchase outside insurance.
  • If the applicant is going to be paid through the University, please state how you will be paying for them (i.e., grant, etc.), remembering that you have to include $7,500 for health insurance
  • Copies of all degrees and certificates earned, with the English translation
  • If the Scholar will be accompanied by dependents, you must also include the following in your application package:
    • Dependent Questionnaire (one for each dependent)
    • Copy of identify pages of passport for each dependent
    • For spouse, a copy of marriage certificate translated into English
    • For child(ren), a copy of birth certificate translated into English
    • A photograph of each dependent, with name printed on back (different than passport photo)
  • A completed Intellectual Property Agreement signed by Visitor’s employer
  • If a scholar is planning on shadowing in the Clinic or Operating Room, additional forms must be completed. See Catherine Muzytchuk for these additional forms:
    • SMD Orthopaedic Unpaid Clinical Shadowing Program Application and Approval Form
    • Letter of Agreement
    • Short Term Observational Experience Immunization Requirement Checklist

Forms

SMD J-1 Scholar Job Code Proposal Form

English Proficiency Assessment Form

Exchange Visitor Questionnaire

Dependent Questionnaire

Intellectual Property Agreement