Step 1: Request a Letter of Invitation

Before you can join the University of Montana as a visiting scholar, it is important to locate a faculty member and/or department that aligns with your research interests. Once you receive a response to your inquiry and they agree to accommodate your time at UM, you will need to request a letter of invitation. This letter must be signed on official UM letterhead clearly stating the following:

• Full name of visiting scholar
• Name of host department
• Start and end dates of time in U.S.
• Amount of salary or stipend being offered (if applicable)
• UM resources that will be made available (i.e. office space, library, lab, etc.)

2. Complete Online Forms for the DS-2019

The Form DS-2019 or "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" is the basic document used in the administration of the exchange visitor program. This form permits a prospective exchange visitor to seek an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in order to obtain a J visa to enter the United States. Each year, a number of visiting scholars from abroad spend time in residence at the University of Montana through the J-1 program. To Request a DS-2019, please work with your host department to complete the following forms:

• To be completed by the sponsoring UM Department: J-1 Exchange Visitor Staff Appointment Form
• To be completed by the prospective exchange visitor: J-1 Exchange Visitor Packet
• If the prospective visitor  is already in the U.S., please ask them to complete the Scholar Transfer Clearance Form.

Step 3: Pay the Scholar Fee

To support annual certification fees required by the Department of State, the scholar or host department is responsible for paying an application fee of $120.

Scholars can pay the fee from abroad by visiting umtglobalengagement.flywire.com.

Host departments can pay the fee by contacting Bodhi Murphy, Director of International Students and Scholars at bodhi.murphy@mso.umt.edu with an index code to JV.

Step 4: Pay the I-901 Fee & Schedule Visa Interview

The SEVIS I-901 fee of US $220  is required for all J-1  visa applicants. Without this fee, you will not be eligible to apply for a visa. You do not need to pay this fee for J-2 dependents. Pay the fee.

After you have paid the I-901 fee, you will need to apply for the J-1 visa. To apply for a J-1 visa you should visit the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. Most countries require that you complete the DS-160 to schedule the interview and an additional fee payment of $185. For the interview, you may  find the  10 Points to Remember useful.