Applying for a J-1 visa for Visiting Scholars, Short-term Scholars or Visiting Professors

Instructions to visiting scholars, short-term scholars and professors:

Take your DS-2019 form issued by Virginia Tech to the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate in your home country. In certain instances it may be possible to obtain a new visa in a third country but it is generally advisable to do it in one's home country. Along with your DS-2019 form you will be required to present documentation on the source and amount of your funding, and the program in which you will be participating. For visiting scholars or professors an invitation from the school or other program description is generally acceptable. Further information or documentation might be required by the consulate. Please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate for further information.

Once you obtained a visa, you can enter the United States within the time period specified on your visa. You may arrive as early as 30 days before your actual program start date stated on your DS-2019 form. Please keep your DS-2019 in a safe place. You will be given an I-94 card (arrival and departure record) on which your date and place of entry and J-1 visa status will be noted. Please report to the Office of International Research Education and Development (OIRED) in 134 Burrus Hall after arrival in the U.S.

For further details please contact: