Your DS-2019 form is enclosed with the Exchange Student Orientation Handbook. The DS-2019 must be used when applying for an exchange visitor visa (J-1) to enter the United States. Carefully read the information concerning application for a J-1 visa as well as all other immigration information included in the packet. Follow all instructions, and remember to bring all documents with you when you come to Missouri.
Use your DS-2019 (for J-1 students) or I-20 (for F-1 students) to apply for the appropriate visa. Carefully read the welcome materials and Student Welcome Guide when you receive them. Remember to bring all of your forms with you when you check-in at the International Center.
Health insurance requirement for J‐1 visaIn order to comply with U.S. immigration regulations, all students in exchange visitor (J‐1) status at MU are required to purchase insurance which will provide sufficient medical coverage for hospitalization, surgery and other medical treatments, as well as coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation. Failure to purchase and maintain adequate insurance coverage is a violation of your legal status as an exchange visitor and can result in the termination of your exchange visitor program.
MU requires students to purchase a mandatory health insurance policy. These charges will be billed directly to your MU student account. Regardless of your date of arrival in the U.S., coverage will begin on Aug. 1 for the fall semester or Jan. 1 for spring the semester.
Sponsored students who receive insurance through their sponsoring agencies may be able to waive the MU insurance requirement. To apply for a waiver, please submit a health insurance waiver request form and a copy of the insurance card to the International Center.
The International Center can provide arrival assistance on the Sunday before Orientation Week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for exchange students who fly into the Columbia Regional Airport, who take an airport shuttle or bus from St. Louis or Kansas City to their MU residence halls, or who are already staying in Columbia. In order to receive this assistance, you must inform us by the deadline (see arrival information sheet). Even if you do not want assistance from the International Center, you must send us the arrival information form so that we know we do not need to assist you.
Plan to arrive before Orientation Week, which is the week before classes start. If you fly into the Columbia Regional Airport and provide us with your travel itinerary, we can pick you up at the airport. If you fly into St. Louis or Kansas City, we recommend the MO-X shuttle service to Columbia.
If you plan to live on-campus and will be arriving prior to the Sunday before orientation, you will not be allowed to move into your residence hall and must arrange your own housing until the residence hall opens. If you plan to live off-campus, you may want to arrive earlier and stay in a hotel for a few days in order to have extra time to search for an apartment.
The general orientation program for new international students includes information about a variety of topics, including cultural adjustment, the mandatory health insurance policy, and immigration issues. Other events include a campus tour, informational workshops and welcome events. Orientation meetings will be held specifically for exchange and sponsored students.
The exchange student orientation focuses on issues specific to participants on MU’s reciprocal student exchange programs and includes events such as a trip to the Columbia Mall and a welcome reception with MU students returning from participating in study-abroad programs.
The sponsored student orientation provides information on the services the International Center offers, sponsoring agency requirements and academic issues. We also provide shopping trips and help finding off-campus housing.
