Information for Visiting Scholars & Researchers

Information for Incoming Scholars

Information for Current Scholars

Immigration and Visas:

Scholars taking part in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program (except Canadians) must apply at a United States Consulate or Embassy in order to obtain a J-1 visa. The following items must be presented at the interview:

  • Form DS-2019 (certificate of eligibility issued by the University of Maine)
  • A valid passport
  • Proof of SEVIS 901 fee payment. Please see the Web links below for further information about Visas and the SEVIS Fee.
  • Marriage certificate and/or birth certificates if applying for J-2 for spouse and/or children

Scholars with J-1 status who are transferring from an educational institution in the United States should consult with the exchange visitor program sponsor at their present institution for instructions on the Immigration Service’s transfer process. This should be done as early as possible.

Web Links for Further Information about Visas and SEVIS Fee

Arrival and Check-in:

J-1 Scholars cam enter the US up to 30 days prior to the program start date and no later than 30 days from the program start date.  If you arrive early, keep in mind that you may not begin your program activities until the start date listed on your DS2019.  If your arrival is delayed please contact the Office of International Programs so that we can amend your program dates and issue a new DS2019.  Please email umaineimmigration@maine.edu or call (207) 581-2905 for more information.

After arrival J-1 Scholars must complete a  check-in and orientation process with the International Programs representative within the first week and no later than 30 days from the program start date. Failure to check in may result in cancellation of the program in SEVIS.

To complete the check-in process:

Instructions for submitting J-1 Scholar New Arrival Check-in (NO University of Maine ID)

  1. Go eoip.um.maine.edu and click “Limited Services Login” near the bottom of the page.  Use the ID and PIN information issued for your original application.
  2. Select “J-1 Scholar Services” in the menu on the left side of the screen
  3. Select “J-1 Scholar New Arrival Check-in” and enter your information.

Instructions for submitting J-1 Scholar New Arrival Check-in (with University of Maine ID)

  1. Go eoip.um.maine.edu and click “Login” and use your @maine.edu credentials.
  2. Select “J-1 Scholar Services” in the menu on the left side of the screen
  3. Select “J-1 Scholar New Arrival Check-in” and enter your information.

J-1 Scholar Orientation Materials