J-1 scholars come to MU through the Exchange Visitor Program. J-1 scholars are short-term employees or visitors who can teach, lecture, study, observe, conduct research, consult, train or demonstrate special skills.

To bring a J-1 scholar to the MU campus, International Student and Scholar Services must issue a Form DS-2019, required for the exchange visitor’s visa application. This process is initiated by the host department, following the steps outlined below. Please contact an international scholar adviser with any questions.

J-1 scholar fees

New J-1 scholar request process

Step 1: Host department submits new sponsorship request in myStatus

Submit a new sponsorship request in myStatus, our online immigration software, to notify the international scholar adviser of a new J-1 scholar request. Prior to accessing myStatus, please confirm with the international scholar team that you have an active department admin profile in myStatus; otherwise, you will not be able to submit new sponsorships requests.

You will need to submit:

• Departmental admin and faculty member contact information
• Scholar’s name and contact information
• Scholar’s current immigration status, if in the U.S.

For scholars who are transferring their J-1 record to MU, please request a copy of the scholar’s current DS-2019.

An international scholar adviser will review the request, determine the eligibility of the scholar and process the request for J-1 status. The department will be notified of next steps.

Step 2: Host department submits documentation

Once the host department has been notified that the request is eligible for J-1 status, and the department must provide the following information and documentation. This information is used to create the document the scholar will use to apply for their visa (Form DS-2019), so please ensure it is accurate.

• Complete the department and exchange visitor tabs in myStatus
• Copy of J-1 scholar passport bio page
• J-1 Scholar Program Agreement
• J-1 Scholar Fee Form
• Proof of English language proficiency (one of the following, learn more about this requirement):
  • Results from a recognized English language test
  • Signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school
  • Documented interview conducted by host department either in person or by phone/video conference
• Scholar’s résumé or curriculum vitae
• If host department is providing financial support: Letter of offer
• If host department is not providing financial support: Letter of invitation (sample) and proof of funding
  • Proof of funding must show at least $1,500 per month for the scholar, with an additional $800 for a spouse and $500 for each child if applicable. The financial document must show the scholar’s full name in English. If the financial support is provided by someone other than the scholar, a completed affidavit of support is also required.

Note: If the scholar’s spouse or children intend to travel to MU with the scholar, the scholar must provide the family member’s biographical information (birth date, city and country of birth, relationship to scholar, email address).

Log in to myStatus

Step 3: International Student and Scholar Services produces DS-2019

• An international scholar adviser will review the request and prepare the DS-2019.
• ISSS emails the DS-2019 and steps for scheduling a visa appointment to the scholar and host department directly. This email also includes a pre-arrival checklist and medical insurance information.
  • DS-2019s are now issued electronically — no paper copies need to be picked up or mailed.
• Upon arrival to MU, the J-1 scholar will receive credentials to log in to myStatus, where they will be able to access the J-1 scholar portal.

Extending a J-1 program

If a visiting scholar’s DS-2019 will expire soon and the host department plans to extend their stay, a request for extension should be made to International Student and Scholar Services. Note: This information is not applicable to J-1 students.