These forms are for the use of current and prospective scholars and sponsoring departments at Mercer University. Please speak to with the Office of International Programs if you need further assistance or have questions on eligibility, application procedures, etc.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Application

J-1 Exchange Visitor Immigration Regulations Packet

J-1 Exchange Visitor Departure Checklist

J-1 Exchange Visitor Exit Interview

The staff within the Office of International Programs is here to help you throughout your visa application process. Once nominated by your Mercer University supervisor; your complete application to become a J-1 Research Scholar will be reviewed. Upon successful review, a Form DS-2019 will be created for you and your dependents (if applicable). The following steps are to guide you with the process in which you will then initiate within your home country – applying for your nonimmigrant J visa.

We strongly suggest that you secure your J-1 Exchange Visitor visa prior to booking your flights.

The process of securing your visa needs to be a top priority once your DS-2019 Form is issued by Mercer University. Visa processing times and interview availability differs throughout nations.

1. Receive your Form DS-2019 and confirm that all personal and program information is correct.
2. Pay the online SEVIS I-901 fee to the U.S Department of Homeland Security
For more information and to pay the fee visit https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901
3. Print your SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
4. Pay the Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee
a. Each exchange visitor who applies for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate must pay the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee. Read more about current fees for U.S. State Department services.
b. You will need to provide a receipt showing the visa application processing fee has been paid when you come for your visa interview.
5. Determine if you will need to pay the visa issuance fee
a. Please review the visa reciprocity tables to determine if an additional visa reciprocity fee must be paid upon visa issuance and the amount of the fee.
6. Go to your scheduled interview
a. Visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website to learn more on how to apply for a J visa. Visa applicants need to demonstrate their eligibility for a visa during an interview by a consular officer at the U.S. embassy or consulate, generally in their country of residence.
7. Email your supervisor and the Office of International Programs once your J-1 Exchange Visitor visa has been approved!

Before you arrive, you should be sure to complete the following:

•  Secure your J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa and J-2 dependent visas if your spouse or children will be accompanying you during your time at Mercer University
•  Send your complete flight itinerary to the Office of International Programs (OIP)
•  Communicate your arrival date with your Mercer University supervisor
•  Provide proof of health insurance that meets U.S. Department of State J-1 Exchange Visitor Program requirements to the Office of International Programs. J-2 dependents must also be covered by the same health insurance requirements. It is highly recommended that you communicate via email with OIP to determine if the health insurance plan that you are considering will be acceptable coverage prior to making a purchase. Do not purchase a health insurance plan without prior approval. Per U.S. Department of State J-1 Exchange Visitor Program regulations, you must be ensured with an approved health insurance plan for the duration of your program in the United States.
•  Plan your transportation and housing needs. Your supervisor or the sponsoring department may be able to assist you.
•  Plan to travel with or have access to at least $2000 USD for the costs you will incur during your first month in the United States.
•  Make photocopies and electronic copies of all of your important documents (passport biographical page, DS-2019, I-901 Fee payment receipt, J-1 visa passport page, Mercer University acceptance letter, etc.) and carry them in a safe place.
•  Communicate with all of your credit card companies of your upcoming international travel plans and seek confirmation that your accounts can be accessed from abroad.
•  Contact the Office of International Programs with any questions or concerns.

Upon arrival to the United States and Mercer University, the J-1 Exchange Visitor will schedule an individual orientation with the International Scholar Coordinator. The J-1 Exchange Visitor should plan for this orientation to take a minimum of 30-minutes. The following documents must be brought to the orientation meeting:

•  Passport
•  J-1 visa
•  DS-2019
•  I-94*
•  Proof of health insurance coverage that meet’s J-1 regulations

If the Exchange Visitor has dependents in J-2 status, they must also bring all of the above documentation for each dependent.

During the orientation, the J-1 Exchange Visitor will review and complete the following documents;

•  Mercer University – Statement of Understanding
•  Mercer University – Personal Information Document

*The I-94 document is a record of arrival and departures into the United States. Each time you enter the United States, you should be admitted in the correct visa category. For Exchange Visitors this category is J-1. You can print your electronic record on this Department of Homeland Security site: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/

J-1 Exchange Visitors should also be prepared to have an orientation with their sponsoring department and supervisor.

 

 

This category is for a foreign national who enters the United States for the primary purpose of conducting research, observing or consulting in connection with research projects at research institutions, corporate research facilities, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions. A research scholar may also teach or lecture, unless disallowed by the sponsor.

The research scholar or professor’s appointment to a position shall be temporary, even if the position itself is permanent.

Incidental lectures or short-term consultations are permitted with the approval of the responsible officer so long as they are directly related to the objectives of the participant’s program, and do not delay the exchange program’s completion date.

To learn more please visit the Professor & Research Scholar information page hosted by the U.S. Department of State.

 

The professor category is for a foreign national who enters the United State for the primary purpose of teaching, lecturing, observing or consulting at accredited post-secondary academic institutions, museums, libraries or similar types of institutions. A professor may also conduct research, unless disallowed by the sponsoring organization.

To learn more please visit the Professor & Research Scholar information page hosted by the U.S. Department of State.

 

1.  The purpose of the scholar's visit must also fulfill the purpose of the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program:
•  The exchange of professors and research scholars promotes the exchange of ideas, research,
 mutual enrichment and linkages between research and academic institutions in the United States
 and foreign countries.
2.  The scholar must have the intention of returning home after program completion.
3.  The length of the appointment is temporary (no more than 5 years and is a non-tenure track).
4.  The candidate must provide proof of financial support.
•  A per year minimum of $15,600 for the exchange visitor, $6,500 for a spouse, and $3,500 per
 child is required for issuance of the DS-2019.
5.  The candidate must meet English language proficiency requirements. An objective measure of English language competency must be utilized to determine if the EV will be able to participate in their program and function on a day-to-day basis. Applicants to Mercer University can provide the following internationally recognized test scores to meet this criteria;

Scores that were achieved within one-calendar year:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 5.0
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 60
TOEFL CBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 175
Institutional TOFEL: 500

Scores that were achieved and are two-years or older:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 5.5
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 65
TOEFL CBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 180
Institutional TOFEL: 550

Or if the EV applicant has not taken the IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL CBT or the Institutional TOFEL a Skype interview with video can be scheduled to assess English language conversation competency. A certified English language evaluator at Mercer University’s English Language Institute will conduct the interview and provide an official evaluation. The cost of this interview and assessment is $100. Billable either to the sponsoring department or the applicant.

6.  After the acceptance of the EV, issuance of the Form DS-2019 and the applicant has received their J-1 visa, the Exchange Visitor and their accompanying dependents, must be covered under a health insurance policy that meets the minimum standards established by the Department of State for their duration within the U.S. under J-1 status.

7.  If the candidate is currently in J-1 status at another institution and wishes to transfer to Mercer, he/she must have permission to transfer, the program must be in line with the original program objective, and the candidate must have at least one year of eligibility remaining from the five-year limit.

 

1.  Sponsoring supervisor should complete Part B (three pages) of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Application – Inviting/Hiring Department Section
2.  Sponsoring supervisor requests the applicant to complete and submit the following documents:

♦ Complete Part A (page one) of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Application – Exchange Visitor Section
♦ A written, signed statement detailing how the program at Mercer will fulfill the purpose of the 
 Exchange Visitor Program. Include a statement of intent to return to the home country.
♦  Provide a copy of their biographical passport page
♦ Provide proof of financial support, if not supported entirely by Mercer University
* A per year minimum of $15,600 for the exchange visitor
* Official bank letter in English stating the owner of the account (either a checking or savings
account), the currency in the account, the available balance within the account
* Or official bank statements from a checking or savings account in English, no older than
three-months in age
♦  Provide proof of conversational English language competency or formally request a
  competency video Skype interview with a testing coordinator at Mercer University’s
  English Language Institute
♦  Current resume
♦  Provide a copy of the current Form DS-2019 if currently at another U.S. institution
♦  If the applicant plans to bring their dependents with them to the United States (spouse or
  children) they will need to provide;
* Biographical passport page for each dependent
* Additional proof of financial support
     •  A per year minimum of $15,600 for the exchange visitor, $6,500 for a spouse, and
$3,500 per child is required for issuance of the DS-2019.
3.  Sponsoring supervisor submits Part A & Part B with all supporting documentation and signatures to the Scholar Services Coordinator within the Office of International Programs.

Mercer University Resource: Application for J-1 Exchange Visitor

 

1.  Scholar Services Coordinator reviews complete application
2.  Scholar Services Coordinator schedules an English language competency interview if requested
3.  Scholar Services Coordinator approves of application
4.  Scholar Services Coordinator issues and mails the Form DS-2019 with welcome packet to the
 applicant in their home nation.

 

1. Receive your Form DS-2019 and confirm that all personal and program information is correct.
2. Pay the online SEVIS I-901 fee to the U.S Department of Homeland Security
For more information and to pay the fee visit https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901
3. Print your SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
4. Pay the Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee
 a.  Each exchange visitor who applies for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate must pay the
nonimmigrant visa application processing fee. Read more about current fees for
  State Department services.
 b.  You will need to provide a receipt showing the visa application processing fee has been paid
  when you come for your visa interview.
5.  Determine if you will need to pay a the visa issuance fee
 a.  Please review the visa reciprocity tables to determine if an additional visa reciprocity fee
  must be paid upon visa issuance and the amount of the fee.
6.  Go to your scheduled interview
 a.  Visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website to learn more on how to apply for a J visa. Visa
  applicants need to demonstrate their eligibility for a visa during an interview by a consular
  officer at the U.S. embassy or consulate, generally in their country of residence.
7.  Email your supervisor and the Office of International Programs once your J-1 Exchange Visitor visa has been approved!

 

You will need your original DS-2019 when you attend your visa interview and enter the U.S.. Your DS-2019 must be shipped to your residence abroad. Please note, Mercer University does not mail DS-2019’s internationally through regular mail. All international shipments must go through the eShip Global shipping service.

eShip Global Shipping Service

All international shipping from the Office of International Programs is handled through our shipping partner, eShip Global’s University Express Mail Services, or UEMS. This service allows you to pay for and receive your documents through DHL or FedEx. Documents typically arrive 3-5 days after you place your shipping order.

Please do NOT create an account with eShip Global’s University Express Mail Services until you have received an email from the Office of International Programs confirming that your DS-2019 is ready. We will send a draft of your DS-2019 for your review via email – please make sure the information is correct before you place your shipping order.

To request the shipment of your documents, please visit eShip Global’s website, https://study.eshipglobal.com, to create an account.

You must use the site provided above – please do not go through DHL or FedEx directly, as this will delay the shipment and cost more. eShip Global provides discounted shipping and allows you to enter your own shipment information, to ensure the address and other details are accurate and will reach you without a problem. Once you order the shipment, our office will receive notification and will arrange for the pick-up of your package by DHL or FedEx. You can then track the progress of the package through your eShip Global account.

Instructions on Creating an eShipGlobal Shipment

To set up an account and place your shipment order, you will be required to create your own user name and password in order to create an account. To request shipment, you will need your Mercer University Student ID number (also called your campus ID), mailing address, e-mail address, phone number and payment information. Please pay close attention to the information submitted, as errors in the payment information or submitting incorrect or incomplete address information will result in a delay in the mailing of your documents. If you experience any difficulty in registering and processing the shipment, please use the eShipGlobal/UEMS “Help” link for step by step instructions. If you have additional questions about how to use this service, please e-mail student.support@eshipglobal.com.

Step-by-Step
Click on "Receive Package from University" from the Home page and follow these instructions:

1. Click the appropriate state on the menu or select state from the drop down list or type few characters of the university name in the box provided.
2. Select the University and click on "Continue".
3. Select the Department and click on "Continue".
4. Complete the shipping form and click on "Continue".
5. On the confirmation page, check your shipment details and select your desired service from the available options and click on "Continue".
6. On the next page, fill out the credit card information form.
7. Click on "Confirm Payment" button and on successful shipment creation; you will be presented with the shipment summary page along with the tracking number.
8. The University is notified about your request. The necessary documents will be sent to your address as soon as the university processes your request. You can track the shipment using the tracking number provided.

Please do let us know if you have any issues while creating your shipment. Make sure you have the correct “From” address and “To” address before submitting your order.

Please note, international shipping is at your expense and your credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover credit cards only) will be charged upon requesting the service. This service also allows wire transfer or bank teller deposit for those who are unable to use a credit/debit card. Prices for shipments vary depending on destination, but are typically around US$50.

Why eShip?
Mercer University only offers international shipments through eShip Global for many reasons. First, regular mail to many other countries is extremely slow and unreliable, and sensitive immigration documents such as an DS-2019 can be lost, stolen or delayed. eShip offers tracking, so students can plan appropriately for their visa appointments and all the other next steps that depend on the receipt of the DS-2019. Mercer University also does NOT charge international students an additional international fee, which many schools do charge to cover the extra costs required to best serve international students, such as the cost of international shipping. In an effort to keep student fees as low as possible rather than require an additional fee of all students, Mercer instead asks students to cover the cost of their international shipment.

Shipping Within the US
Documents that need to be mailed within the US will be mailed via regular mail at Mercer’s expense. Expedited domestic shipping can also be ordered through eShip.

 

Failure to maintain lawful status while in the U.S. can lead to lasting consequences. Please be mindful of the requirements for maintaining status. Further details about how to maintain your status will be discussed during your orientation. The following are a list of major regulations to familiarize yourself with:

•  Visitors must attend an orientation and have their arrival registered within SEVIS by the (A)RO within 30-days of the program start date.
•  Passports must be valid at all times.
•  Continual compliance with the Department of State health insurance requirements.
•  Report any address changes or changes in financial support within 10 days of the change.
•  Program extensions must be requested BEFORE the expiration date printed on Form DS-2019.
•  All employment MUST BE AUTHORIZED.
•  The expiration of a visitor’s J-1 status is linked directly to the program end date printed on the form DS-2019.
•  J-1 Scholars have 30-days to leave the United States after their program end date. Visitors present in the U.S. beyond the 30 days grace period after the expiration date are “out of status” and could negatively impact future immigration and U.S. benefits.
•  Discuss any possible program transfers with the Office of International Programs before taking steps to transfer.

 

Eligibility

Only J-1 Scholars who are either (1) employed by Mercer University or (2) have received employment authorization to work are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

Those eligible to apply for a Social Security Number will need to take the following documents with them to the Social Security office. Applicants without the following documents will be denied.

  • For all J-1 Scholar applicants:
       o Completed Application for Social Security Card
       o Passport
       o Visa
       o DS-2019
       o I-94
       o A letter from the international student advisor and scholar coordinator validating the student’s eligibility for employment per immigration regulations
       o A letter from the Mercer University supervisor on university letterhead, stating the following:
            * A statement that you have been hired with your full name as it appears on your passport
            * The department/office that is hiring you
            * Your anticipated start date
            * Your title
            * An estimated number of hours per week you will work

Students must apply for a Social Security Number in person. Locate the nearest Social Security Administration Office near you: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

 

If you would like to have a State of Georgia Driver’s License, you must apply in person at the Department of Driver Services (DDS). All drivers from other nations (including Canada and U.S. Territories) must pass the State of Georgia’s written, road, and vision tests in order to be issued a Georgia license.

General Information

For general requirements and the most convenient location for written and driving exams, please visit the Department of Driver Services website. For specific information and requirements for non-US citizens, please visit the DDS webpage for non-U.S. citizens.

Note: You are not required to have a social security number (SSN) to obtain a GA state driver’s license or identification card. If you do not have a SSN and would like to get a license or identification card, you should obtain a Form SSA-L676 (Social Security Card Denial Notice) from the Social Security Administration. Bring your passport, visa, printout of your I-94 electronic record or I-94 card, I-20 and a completed Application for Social Security Card to the Social Security Administration and request a denial notice. The issuance of this form does not prevent you from being granting a SSN in the future. It simply states that you are currently not eligible for one.

Documents Needed to Apply for a Driver’s License
  • Passport
  • Visa
  • DS-2019
  • Printed I-94 record
  • Social Security Card or a Form SSA-L676 (Denial Notice) from the Social Security Administration
  • Two different document sources that proves your local residence (such as a signed lease agreement, utility bill, bank statement, school report, school transcript, etc.). These documents must have your name and your local address.

Timeline for Applying for a Driver’s License
  1. Wait 10 days after you arrive in the United States. You may want to apply for a driver’s license or SSN right away, but be patient. The 10-day wait allows time for all the government databases to update with your arrival information.
  2. Make sure your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status. Contact your International Student Advisor to confirm this information.
  3. Check your document and forms: passport, visa, I-94, DS-2019, SSN and DDS applications. Check all your forms to make sure your information is correct. This is data integrity which is very important because having different information on different forms may cause delays.
   4. Wait two days after your international student advisor activates your record in SEVIS.
  5. Collect all required documents for your appointment(s) and head to the Social Security Administration

 

Travel Validation

Scholars leaving the country who plan to return must have a valid and current (within the last 6 months) travel endorsement from the A/RO. Scholars should make an appointment with their A/RO and bring their current/original DS-2019 to receive a travel endorsement. Travel endorsements are only given during working hours, plan accordingly and sure your travel signature prior to the week of travel.

When reentering the U.S. in J-1 status, you should bring and be prepared to show the following documents:
  • Valid Passport
  • Valid J-1 Visa
  • Valid DS-2019
  • Valid DS-2019 Travel Endorsement

Valid passport
  • Valid at least 6 months into the future

Valid J-1 Visa*
   • If the visa is valid for only one entry, or has expired, a new visa must be obtained from the U.S. consulate or embassy abroad in order to reenter the U.S. It is not possible to apply for a visa from within the U.S.
  • Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are not required to obtain F-1 or J-1 visas. You will use your immigration documents issued by the Office of International Programs to enter, but do not require a visa. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda MUST ensure that they are admitted to the U.S. in J-1 status, not as tourists.
  • Prepare for visa renewal prior to departing the U.S. You will likely need to present financial documentation, official acceptance into the program, and other documents that are issued in the U.S.
       o For a complete list of visa renewal requirements at the specific consulate or embassy, visit www.travel.state.gov.

Valid DS-2019
  • Correct biographical data
  • Correct program information
  • Current students: The program end date must be in the future

Valid I-20 Travel Endorsement
  • A travel signature issued by a responsible official (international student advisor) is valid for six-months and multiple entries.
  • Students must obtain a travel signature prior to departing the U.S.
  • If you need a new travel signature, contact your international student advisor as soon as travel plans have been finalized.

 

Occasional Lectures and/or Short-term Consultations

Exchange visitors sponsored by Mercer University are not permitted to accept employment from other institutions. However, scholars are permitted to work as independent contractors and provide occasional lectures or consultation services with appropriate authorization from the (A)RO. ALL private contracting work must first be recorded in SEVIS and written authorization from the (A)RO must be obtained.

Criteria for eligibility for incidental employment authorization include:
• The contracted services must be directly related to the objectives of the program at Mercer University.
• The employment must be incidental to the primary program and must not delay the scheduled completion of the program.

To apply for authorization contact the (A)RO and provide the following documents:

o An offer letter detailing the terms and conditions of the consultation/lecture, including the duration, number of hours, subject, compensation, and description of activity.
o A letter from the department head or supervisor recommending such activity and explaining how it relates to the current program at Mercer University.

 

During the spring semester each year, all international students (F-1), exchange students (J-1) and research scholars (J-1) must report to the Internal Revenue Service. Some students will be required to report and file their taxes with the Internal Revenue Service.

• You will report to the U.S. government if you have not earned any income during the previous tax year. Most students will qualify and use Form 8843.
• If you earned income in the U.S., during the previous tax year, you must report and file your taxes with the U.S. government. Most students will qualify and use Form 8843 to report and will use either Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ to file their taxes with the federal government. In addition, Form 500-EZ or Form 500 will be used to file taxes for the State of Georgia, Department of Revenue.

Current students should check their emails regularly and attend the International Students & U.S. Taxes workshop that will be held in March 2017.

Form 8843, federal and state tax forms will be explained in detail and you will have the opportunity to begin filling in your forms. Please note, the Office of International Programs is not able to advise students with completing their federal or state tax forms.

Filing income tax forms is the personal responsibility of each international student and scholar. Please be aware that you are ultimately responsible for the accuracy and the timely submission of your income tax returns to the U.S Government.

 

All Exchange Visitors should report the end of their program to the Office of International Programs and complete an exit interview.

All visitors who complete their program objectives are entitled to a 30-day grace period at the end of the program which allows them to remain in the U.S. after the program is deemed “inactive” in SEVIS.

Following the completion of their program, the period defined on the Form DS-2019, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows participants a 30-day travel period commonly referred to as the "Grace Period." During this 30-day grace period, participants are no longer in J-visa status, and are under the jurisdiction of USCIS. This period is granted to allow participants to settle their affairs and to prepare to return to their home countries.

Program participants may no longer continue and/or complete exchange activities, nor may they work. Although participants may travel in the United States, it is recommended that they do not travel beyond the borders of the United States as they may not be permitted reentry.

 

Early Completion of Program
Visitors who complete objectives early and who apply to shorten their programs, report the end of the program, and complete the exit interview are entitled to the grace period.

Withdrawal from Program
Exchange visitors withdrawing from the program early are not entitled to the grace period. Visitors withdrawing early must report the date of program termination to the A/RO, who must report the changes to SEVIS

 

Exchange visitors are permitted to extend their programs if it is deemed necessary to complete the original program objective.

The following criteria must be met for extensions to be granted:

•   The total length of the program will not exceed 5 years (or six-months for a Short-Term Scholar program)
•   Extensions must be for 12 months or less
•   A written request by the department head or supervisor must be submitted to the A/RO
      o   The request must include an explanation of the need for a program extension
      o   Dates of the requested extension
      o   Supervisor name and contact details
•   Proof of health insurance and continued financial support must also be submitted

 

12-Month Bar
Any person wishing to participate in an Exchange Visitor program in the Professor or Research Scholar category must not have completed a J-1 or J-2 visa in ANY category within the 12 months prior to the program in question.

24-Month Bar
Any person wishing to participate in an Exchange Visitor program in the Professor or Research Scholar category must not have completed a J-1 or J-2 visa in the Professor or Research category within the 24 months prior to the program in question.

 

Exchange Visitors may be subject to a two-year home country physical presence requirement, as required under Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, paragraph 212, section e [22 C.F.R. §212(e)], typically referred to as “212(e)”. This requirement severely restricts an exchange visitor’s ability to change immigration status from within the U.S. and/or apply for a new visa status from the home country.

Exchange Visitors and their dependents may be subject to 212(e) for one or more of the following reasons:

• If the exchange visitor’s field of study is listed on the Exchange Visitor’s Skills List for his or her country of citizenship
• If the exchange visitor is receiving, in whole or in part, governmental funding (either from the U.S. or from the visitor’s home country) to support the exchange
• If the exchange visitor is participating in the ECFMG program to receive graduate medical education or training

Until the two-year physical presence requirement is satisfied, exchange visitors subject to 212(e):

• Are not eligible to apply for H, K or L visas
• Are not eligible for lawful permanent residence in the U.S.
• Are not eligible to apply for a change of status from J to any other nonimmigrant status from within the U.S., including from J-1 to J-2 status, but excluding A (diplomatic) or G (Employee of an International Organization) status.

Waiver of 212(e)

Exchange Visitors who have recently completed a program and who wish to re-enter the U.S. to begin a new Exchange Visitor program or apply for an H, K, or L visa or apply for permanent residency without fulfilling the requirements of 212(e) may apply for a waiver if they satisfy one of the following possible grounds for the granting of a waiver:

•   The visitor’s home country government issues a “no-objection” statement
•   An interested U.S. government agency supports the candidate’s waiver application
•   The exchange visitor can prove that he or she will be subject to persecution due to race, or religious or political beliefs upon return to his/her country
•   The exchange visitor had sufficient evidence that his or her departure from the U.S. would cause “exceptional hardship” to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or child

 

Visiting Scholars wishing to transfer to Mercer University from another program sponsor must:

•   Obtain an invitation from a Mercer University hosting department
•   Meet all eligibility requirements for the program, including continued pursuit of original program objectives
•   Gain approval from the current sponsor to transfer out of the current sponsor’s program
•   Ensure that the current sponsor's A/RO contacts Mercer's A/RO to verify the transfer will be accepted
•   Complete all application paperwork, receive a DS-2019 from Mercer, and register with the A/RO BEFORE beginning any program activity with Mercer University

 

Scholars wishing to transfer to another sponsor from a Mercer University program must:

•   Verify that the program is a continuation of the Mercer University program objective and that the program category will remain the same
•   Obtain written permission to transfer to another sponsor from the hosting department and the supervisor at Mercer University
•   Receive written authorization from the A/RO at Mercer before beginning any work with a new sponsor
•   Receive a new DS2019 from the new sponsor before beginning any work with a new sponsor