The South Korean government has implemented a program for overseas training to enhance the professional skills of its public officials.

To participate, you must obtain a J-1 visa, and your spouse and children can accompany you on dependent visas, allowing the whole family to visit the U.S.

Since the J-1 visa interview is conducted in English, the U.S. embassy may deny the visa if your English proficiency is deemed insufficient.

Before the embassy interview, you must receive the DS-2019 form and complete the DS-160 application.

The DS-2019 is typically issued by the U.S. Department of State and is facilitated through a sponsor organization to ease the process between the program sponsor and the Department of State. The sponsor organization is also responsible for arranging relevant institutions for the public official's training.

The MIRI Research Foundation is officially designated by the U.S. Department of State as a sponsor organization, assisting with the issuance of DS-2019 forms and supporting public officials with their training at designated research institutions or U.S. government agencies.

J-Visa Application Process for Public Officials

• Submit application and supporting documents
• Conduct an interview with Midwest University
• Issue an invitation letter from an external organization

  Arrange and issue an invitation letter for a relevant institution matching the applicant's organization and research topic. For example, this might include institutions such as the Missouri State Legislature, city hall, district attorney's office, police department, fire department, and various U.S. government agencies.

• Issuance of DS-2019 form
• U.S. embassy visa interview
• Engage in training and personal research activities at the designated research institution or government agency upon entry into the U.S.
• Issue a certificate upon program completion