Hosting an International Scholar or Researcher

This category is for a foreign national who enters the United States for the primary purpose of conducting research, observing or consulting in connection with research projects at research institutions, corporate research facilities, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions. A research scholar may also teach or lecture, unless disallowed by the sponsor.

The research scholar or professor’s appointment to a position shall be temporary, even if the position itself is permanent.

Incidental lectures or short-term consultations are permitted with the approval of the responsible officer so long as they are directly related to the objectives of the participant’s program, and do not delay the exchange program’s completion date.

To learn more please visit the Professor & Research Scholar information page hosted by the U.S. Department of State.

The professor category is for a foreign national who enters the United State for the primary purpose of teaching, lecturing, observing or consulting at accredited post-secondary academic institutions, museums, libraries or similar types of institutions. A professor may also conduct research, unless disallowed by the sponsoring organization.

To learn more please visit the Professor & Research Scholar information page hosted by the U.S. Department of State.

1. The purpose of the scholar’s visit must also fulfill the purpose of the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program:
   1. The exchange of professors and research scholars promotes the exchange of ideas, research, mutual enrichment and linkages between research and academic institutions in the United States and foreign countries.
2. The scholar must have the intention of returning home after program completion.
3. The length of the appointment is temporary (no more than 5 years and is a non-tenure track).
4. The candidate must provide proof of financial support.
   1. A per year minimum of $15,600 for the exchange visitor, $6,500 for a spouse, and $3,500 per child is required for issuance of the DS-2019.
5. The candidate must meet English language proficiency requirements. An objective measure of English language competency must be utilized to determine if the EV will be able to participate in their program and function on a day-to-day basis. Applicants to Mercer University can provide the following internationally recognized test scores to meet these criteria.
6. After the acceptance of the EV, issuance of the Form DS-2019 and the applicant has received their J-1 visa, the Exchange Visitor and their accompanying dependents, must be covered under a health insurance policy that meets the minimum standards established by the Department of State for their duration within the U.S. under J-1 status.
7. If the candidate is currently in J-1 status at another institution and wishes to transfer to Mercer, he/she must have permission to transfer, the program must be in line with the original program objective, and the candidate must have at least one year of eligibility remaining from the five-year limit.

1. Sponsoring supervisor should complete Part B (three pages) of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Application – Inviting/Hiring Department Section
2. Sponsoring supervisor requests the applicant to complete and submit the following documents:
   1. Complete Part A (page one) of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Application – Exchange Visitor Section
   2. A written, signed statement detailing how the program at Mercer will fulfill the purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program. Include a statement of intent to return to the home country.
   3. Provide a copy of their biographical passport page
   4. Provide proof of financial support, if not supported entirely by Mercer University
      1.  A per year minimum of $15,600 for the exchange visitor
      2.  Official bank letter in English stating the owner of the account (either a checking or savings account), the currency in the account, the available balance within the account
      3.  Or official bank statements from a checking or savings account in English, no older than three-months in age
   5. Provide proof of conversational English language competency
   6. Current resume
   7. Provide a copy of the current Form DS-2019 if currently at another U.S. institution
   8. If the applicant plans to bring their dependents with them to the United States (spouse or children) they will need to provide:
      1. Biographical passport page for each dependent
      2. Additional proof of financial support
      3. A per year minimum of $15,600 for the exchange visitor, $6,500 for a spouse, and $3,500 per child is required for issuance of the DS-2019.
3. Sponsoring supervisor submits Part A & Part B with all supporting documentation and signatures to the Director of Global Pathways within the Office of Global Engagement.

Mercer University Resource: Application for J-1 Exchange Visitor

1. Scholar Services Coordinator reviews complete application
2. Scholar Services Coordinator approves of application
3. Scholar Services Coordinator issues and mails the Form DS-2019 with welcome packet to the applicant in their home nation.