Information for Visiting Scholars & Researchers

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

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:

Submit the information form and required documents through the e-OIP portal (instructions available below).
Make an appointment with Sarah Joughin, Associate Director of OIP for an orientation and check-in meeting. The check in process takes about 30 minutes. To schedule an appointment click here.
Follow the J Scholar Arrival Checklist as a guide for the meeting.

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

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.
Select “J-1 Scholar Services” in the menu on the left side of the screen
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)

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

UMaine Alert

International Programs