New Scholars

The University of Iowa sponsors nearly 400 exchange visitor scholars annually, who come to The University for research, teaching, observation, and other professional activities.  The Office of International Students and Scholars provides immigration advising and orientation to visiting scholars.  The following information will assist you before you arrive in Iowa City.

Obtaining a J-1 Visa.

With the exception of citizens of Canada and Bermuda, all other potential exchange visitors must obtain a J-1 visa through a US consulate.  As specific requirements and procedures do vary from consulate to consulate, you should inquire for any special needs at the location where you will be applying for a visa. 

A listing of all US consulates, along with links to their web pages, is available at the U.S. Department of State Website.  You must have a J‑1 visa to enter the United States for your J-1 activity.  If you have another US visa (such as for a visitor) you cannot use that to come in as a J-1, and should you attempt to do so, you may be refused entry at the border or be unable to undertake the activities which you plan to do as a J-1.

SEVIS Fee

Generally, you will need to make an appointment to apply for your J-1 visa, and the embassy web site can give you information on how to make the appointment.  You will also need to pay a visa application fee (information again available on the embassy website) and a SEVIS fee before your visa application can be submitted. Be sure to pay these fees in time to receive the appropriate receipts, as if you do not have proof that you have paid both the visa application and SEVIS fees, you will not be able to apply for the visa.  If you have dependents that will be applying for J-2 visas, you will need to pay a visa application fee for each, but not an additional SEVIS fee.

At the consulate

When you go to the consulate to apply for the J-1 visa, be sure to have a valid passport, the original DS-2019 form, receipts that show you have paid the appropriate fees, and proof of any non-University of Iowa funding that will be used to cover your stay in the United States.  If you have dependents applying for J-2 status, you will also need to provide proof of their relationship to you (for example, a marriage license or birth certificate). 

Visas and The University of Iowa

Please be aware that the University of Iowa cannot guarantee visa issuance, and cannot influence a consul if a visa is denied.  Should you be denied a visa, you should ask for a written explanation of why you were denied, and then the Office of International Students and Scholars can advise you on how you might overcome the reason for denial.  However, the final decision on visa issuance is made at the consulate, and the University cannot appeal the decision.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need to apply for visas, but must pay the SEVIS fee and have a receipt for that fee prior to applying for entry into the United States as a J-1 exchange visitor.

Travel

The nearest airport to the University is located in Cedar Rapids (code CID), about 25 miles/40 km from Iowa City.  The airport has direct flights from Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul and St. Louis, and is served by American, Delta, Northwest and United airlines.    Two airport shuttle services provide transportation to the Iowa City area for about US$30 one way.  (Be sure to have all your flight details when you call.)

Airport Transportation

Airport Shuttle Service requires a reservation at least 24 hours in advance of your arrival.  The telephone number is 319-365-0655 or in the US, toll free 800‑725‑8460.

Airport Express requires a reservation at least 48 hours in advance of your arrival.  The telephone number is 319-358-8000 or in the US, toll free 800-814-8008. 

Housing

Unless your UI faculty host has made housing arrangements, you will need to be concerned about both an immediate place to stay and longer term housing.  One short-term option is the Iowa House Hotel, an on-campus facility located in the Iowa Memorial Union. 

As a visiting scholar, you can get a special discounted room rate.  As rooms are not always available, you should make reservations beforehand by calling 319-335-3513 and asking for Kathy, or for information e-mail the hotel at iowahouse@uiowa.edu.

Housing Resources

Your host department is often a good resource to help you find longer term housing.  Some other sources of information are:

• OISS Guide to Living In Iowa City
• University of Iowa’s Housing and Relocation Guide
• City of Iowa City Off-Campus Living Guide
• Local Newspapers (look at classified ads)
  • The Daily Iowan
  • The Iowa City Press-Citizen
  • The Gazette

Average Rental Rates in Iowa City

• Efficiency apartments:  $461
• One-bedroom apartments:  $561
• Two-bedroom apartments:  $655

Utilities, such as electric service, are normally paid in addition to these rents.

Expenses

As a visiting scholar, you should plan to have a minimum of $900 per month to cover your living expenses, and should plan on an additional $250 per month for each accompanying dependent.   Health insurance, if purchased through the University, will cost $250-$400 per month for a single individual, $550-$900/month for a scholar and spouse, and $700-$1,000 per month for a scholar with a family.