INTERNATIONAL TRAINEES

A large proportion of Mayo research appointees arrive from outside of the United States. This group has special work-related concerns associated with the need to obtain an entry visa and appropriate work authorization. These processes have become more stringent due to heightened homeland security. The Mayo International Personnel Office assists in obtaining the required documents to enter and remain in the USA after receiving a formal approved request from the faculty sponsor. The legal requirements can be complicated, and proper understanding and close liaison with the Mayo International Personnel Office is prudent. We are working closely with this office to ensure that the needs of international trainees are met.

Mayo Research Fellows' Association also recognizes the importance of social stresses arising from international relocation. To this end, we will liase with local community organizations so that our international membership will be appraised of local community events. We anticipate liaison with organizations such as the Mayo Fellow's Association in order to co-sponsor the International Fellows Day, local special interest groups such as the Rochester Chinese Culture Association, Filipino American Association and the Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association, as well as other community groups in order to encourage interaction with the wider Rochester community.

Summary of Information for International Trainees

Visa requirements are constantly changing and for this reason, you should carefully check all the information on this webpage, with the appropriate authorities.

Before beginning your program

• Liaise early with your program sponsor, to ensure that your appointment is approved by the research committee, and an appropriate request for the correct visa class (usually J-1 exchange visitor program) is made. The required paperwork for you and for anyone accompanying you will be generated and sent to you.
• In order to obtain a visa, a face-to-face interview at an US consulate is required. Significant delays in scheduling this interview have been reported, and purchasing airline tickets or finalizing travel plans prior to obtaining a visa stamp in your passport is not recommended. It is critical to have all the fees and paperwork correctly completed prior to the interview, as missing documentation may require a second interview to be scheduled. Males between the ages of 16 and 45 are additionally required to fill out a supplementary form. You will be fingerprinted. Visit http://educationusa.state.gov for additional information.

After starting your program

• Liaise with the International Personnel Office as early as possible if you plan to leave the USA temporarily.
• Obtain a signature from the International Personnel Office to document that you are in good standing with the program.
• If you do not have a valid visa stamp, or if your visa stamp will expire before your return, you must obtain a new visa stamp, unless you fall into one of the exception categories immediately below. Please make sure your visa stamp has not expired. Even if your I-94, I-20, or DS-2019 is still valid, you will not be readmitted to the U.S. without a valid visa. Although any US consulate can issue this stamp, it may be prudent, although not critical, to have it issued from the US consulate from your country of origin who may be more familiar with the official documents that you may present to them.

Visa stamps are not required for:

• Canadian Citizens, regardless of Mayo-sponsored visa status and travel;
• Short trips to Canada or Mexico (less than 30 days), if you have an expired visa from a previous entry to the United States and a valid form showing valid status (for example, I-94 card, I-20, DS2019, H-1B Approval Notice, etc.); or
• Persons with a valid Advance Parole Travel Document. (Form I-512)