Before entering the U.S. you will need to obtain a passport if you do not already have one; and you will need to apply for an entry visa to the U.S. The visa application will require a document from Monterey Institute. Different documents are required to apply for a visa depending on which status you intend to enter the U.S. Please make note of the following:
J-1 Professors, Research Scholars, Short-Term Scholars require:
- Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status; and a
- Receipt of SEVIS Fee payment.
H-1B Scholars require:
- Form I-797 Notice of Action Approval Notice for H-1B Classification; and a
- Copy of I-129 Petition for H-1B Nonimmigrant Worker
TN Scholars require:
- Form I-797 Notice of Action Approval Notice for TN Classification; or
- Offer of employment letter from Monterey Institute.
In addition to these forms you must have:
- Valid passport;
- Letter of invitation or employment offer from Monterey Institute;
- Original financial documentation demonstrating you have sufficient funds to support you during your stay/program in the U.S. if you are entering as a J-1; and
- Proof that you have a permanent residence outside the U.S. to which you intend to return upon completion of your work here if you are entering in J-1 or TN status.
Applying for a visa
We recommend that you allow sufficient time to obtain the appropriate visa from the U.S. embassy/consulate as there can be delays for some individuals due to security clearance checks. To find the embassy/consulate nearest you, go to:
http://usembassy.state.gov/
For specific information on visa application procedures and tips at the nearest embassy/consulate, you should go to the website for that location. For general information from the U.S. Department of State on visa applications, go to:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
If you are a J professor or scholar you will need to pay the SEVIS fee before applying for your J-1 visa. To pay on-line or for more information on the SEVIS fee go to:
https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml
Initial expenses
Plan to arrive with sufficient money to meet the initial expenses of your first few weeks in Monterey. Be prepared to spend anywhere from $20 to $50 per day for meals and $50 to $200 per night for hotel accommodations until you find a room, apartment, or house in which to live during your stay here. It can take a couple of weeks to find housing.
Arrival and check-in
You must check in with the Office of International Services within 10 days of your arrival in Monterey. Please bring your passport, visa, I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), DS-2019 if you are in J status, and proof of insurance. We need to validate your arrival and local address, register you on SEVIS if you are in J status, and create an immigration file for you. We can also help you to obtain a social security number which you will need in order to work in the U.S.
You will also need to visit the academic unit where you will be employed or doing research, as well as Human Resources to complete any paperwork required for employment at Monterey Institute.
The Office of International Services is located in the Student Affairs Building at 440 Van Buren Street and is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday.
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