New scholar information

To begin the process, please complete the Visa Determination Questionnaire. The Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible Officer at the International Office will review yur responses and provide guidance on the appropriate visa classification for your situation. 

Upon submission of the Visa Determination Questionnaire, the International Office will review the responses and provide a recommendation on the most appropriate visa classification.

1. If the International Office has determined that the H-1B visa is appropriate for the foreign national, the hosting department will receive an email with information on next steps. 

2. If the International Office has determined that the Exchange Visitor should come to ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ as a J-1 Exchange Visitor, the hosting department will initiate the DS-2019 request process. The request will be submitted through DocuSign. 

• DS-2019 Request (hosting department)
• Proof of appointment or invitation clearly stating program objectives (hosting department)
• Copy of Passport (Identity page w/ date of expiration) (Exchange Visitor)
• Financial Evidence (51 % must be non personal funds): please note
  • If funds are from ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ, include appointment letter.
  • If funds are from other sources, the Exchange Visitor will attach proof of funding.
• (Exchange Visitor should get this form signed by current Alternate Responsible Officer)
•  (Exchange Visitor)
• Other (dependent information if applicable) (Exchange Visitor) 

Once all required documentation has been submitted, the International Office will begin processing the request, which may take up to 7 business days. Once DS-2019 Form has been issued, the Hosting Department and Exchange Visitor will receive a notification through DocuSign, that the request has been approved. 

Forms:

•  (Process will begin with Hosting Department)
• : Prospective exchange visitors must pay a $200.00 SEVIS maintenance fee to the International Office.

After receiving the ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ DS-2019, scholars are required to pay a $220 USD I-901 fee associated with the SEVIS ID number on the DS-2019. Please visit to pay for the I-901 fee and print a copy of the SEVIS fee payment receipt, as you will need it in order to apply for a J-1 Visa a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and when entering the U.S.

Applying for a J-1 Visa:

Foreign Nationals should apply for a J-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order and requirements may vary depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where individuals apply. Foreign nationals should follow the specific instructions provided on the website of the embassy or consulate they plan to visit. 

Complete the Online Visa Application

• Form DS-160: Complete the online and print the confirmation page to bring to the visa interview.
• Photo Requirements: Upload a photo that meets the U.S. visa photo specification when completing the DS-160.

Schedule a Visa Interview

While interviews are generally not required for applicants under age 13 or over age 80, consular officers may request an interview for any applicant, regardless of age. Check the embassy or consulate website for interview scheduling procedures and wait times.

If you are age:	Then an interview is:
13 and younger	Generally not required
14-79	Required (some exceptions for renewals)
80 and older	Generally not required

Visa Application Fees

• A non-refundable visa application fee of $160 USD is required for most non-immigrant visa categories. This fee may need to be paid prior to the interview, depending on the embassy or consulate's procedures.
• If the visa is approved, a visa issuance fee may also apply, depending on the applicant's nationality.

This information has been provided by the U.S. Department of State website for more information on current details, and fees. 

SEVIS Maintenance Fees for Exchange Visitors 

Exchange Visitors must pay a $200 SEVIS maintenance fee to the ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ International Office via theat the time of requesting a DS-2019 form.  

Special Note for Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are exempt from obtaining a J-1/J-2 visa. However, they must present the following documents a the U.S. port of entry:

• A valid passport
• The ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ-issued DS-2019 form
• Proof of I-901 SEVIS fee payment
• Appointment/Invitation letter

 

U.S. Immigration Inspection

International scholars, faculty, and postdoctoral researchers must carry the appropriate documents to present to immigration officials upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry. These documents include:

- Valid passport  
- U.S. visa  
- DS-2019 (for J-1 Exchange Visitors)  
- Financial documentation (for J-1 Exchange Visitors)  
- I-797 Approval Notice (for H-1B visa holders)
Important: Individuals should not enter the United States on a tourist visa unless they are visiting for tourism purposes only.

Initial Expenses

Scholars, faculty, and postdocs should arrive with sufficient funds to cover initial living expenses during their first weeks in the United States. Before securing permanent housing, estimated costs include:

• Meals: Approximately $90 per day at moderately priced restaurants  
• Temporary accommodations: $130–$400 per night for off-campus lodging
• Most international bank cards can be used at U.S. ATMs to withdraw U.S. dollars upon arrival.

Baggage and Shipping

It is recommended that individuals bring their personal belongings with them, as the University does not provide storage for baggage shipped in advance. Scholars, faculty and postdocs may inquire with their department or school to see if someone can accept packages, though this is typically not possible.
Please do not send packages or baggage to the International Office as storage space is unavailable. Once a U.S. residential address is established, personal effects and packages under a certain weight may be shipped via international parcel post. Consult your local post office for details.

Medical Records

All incoming scholars and accompanying family members should bring translated copies of their medical records. If children are accompanying the scholar, faculty or postdoc, immunization records are required for enrollment in U.S. public schools. Please review current immunization requirements prior to arrival.

Health Insurance Requirements

Benefits-Eligible Employees

Full-time benefits-eligible employees may enroll in health insurance through ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ’s Benefits Office during HR orientation.

J-1 Exchange Visitors

Benefits-Eligible J-1 Exchange Visitors  
Must ensure their ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ's insurance policy meets, which may result in additional premiums. J-1 exchange visitors will be required to sign up for an additional health insurance plan to meet the DOS requirements. 

Non-Benefits-Eligible J-1 Exchange Visitors
J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents are required to maintain health insurance coverage that meets the following minimum standards [22 CFR 62.14]:

-Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness  
-Repatriation of remains:$25,000  
-Medical evacuation:$50,000  
-Deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

Health insurance must be valid from the start to the end date of the program. Scholars often purchase insurance in their home country prior to arrival. For a list of U.S. health insurance providers offering plans that meet these requirements, please refer to the  Health Insurance Providers form below.

If using a non-U.S. insurance provider, scholars must ensure the plan meets all requirements and provide proof of coverage upon arrival. Documentation must clearly show compliance with Department of State regulations and be submitted along with the Health Insurance Compliance Form.

Required Forms

- Exchange Visitor Health Insurance Policy and Company Information  
- Exchange Visitor Health Insurance Verification Form (non-compensated visitors)  
- (benefits-eligible visitors or ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ exchange students)

Present the following documents to the inspections officer at the U.S. port of entry (do not pack these items in your checked luggage):

• Valid Passport with (J-1/H-1B) Visa (unless you are exempt from the visa requirement)
• Appointment Letter
• Form DS-2019 issued by ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ (for J-1 Exchange Visitors)
• Evidence of Financial Resources (if non-ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ funded J-1 Exchange Visitor)
• If you have a dependent, he or she will need to present a passport, Form DS-2019 and J-2 visa (for J-1 Exchange Visitor)

Before you leave the airport, you should download your I94 arrival document and check that you have been given admissions under Duration of Status: D/S. Go to

Arriving in Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)

You may take a taxi/uber/Lyft from DFW International Airport to Dallas. The cost to ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ is approximately $50-100. You can also take a shuttle bus to your destination. Public transportation is also an option. Although, public transportation may be less expensive, it may take a lot longer for you to make it to Dallas. For more information on the local train system, please visit . For more information about transportation from DFW International Airport, please visit .

Arrival and Check-In Requirements

For H-1B Holders: 

1.  H-1B visa holders must attend Human Resources orientation on their scheduled date
2. Upon arrival, they must also check with the International Office. To schedule a check-in appointment, please email intlemployees@smu.edu

For J-1 Exchange Visitors:

Exchange Visitors MUST check-in with the International Office upon arrival and BEFORE beginning activities at ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ. To complete the check-in process, visitors must present the following documents: 

1. Original DS-2019
2. Original Passport & Visa (if applicable)
3. I-94 Arrival Record (can be printed after arrival to the U.S. at )
4. Proof of Health Insurance
5. Must have U.S. Residential Address & U.S. Phone Number
6. Immigration Documents of J-2 Dependents, if applicable 

If Exchange Visitor is receiving university benefits, they must also attend the Human Resources orientation. 

Forms: Tips to Locate and Print Electronic Form I-94

The International Office hosts various events year-round to help foreign nationals acclimate to U.S. Living. Please visit our Events Calendar page for a list of events happening at ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ.

In addition to attending our events, we recommend reviewing the Post-Arrival Handbook for an extensive list of resources on and around campus.