The International Minimally Invasive Urology Fellowship at the University of California, Irvine offers training, of varying lengths, to urologists from around the world. International fellows range from residents interested in learning basic minimally invasive technique to established urologists who wish to update their minimally invasive skills. The minimum length of stay is six months and the maximum is two years. If the fellowship is extended for a period of six months or more, fellows are invited to participate in the animal laboratory, where they can get hands on experience with minimally invasive technique. International fellows are also granted access to the Surgical Training Center where they can work with standard box trainers as well as virtual reality training devices to improve laparoscopic and endoscopic skills. International fellows are also welcome to observe all procedures in the Department of Urology as well as procedures in associated disciplines. The combination of training in the skills laboratory, working with the research team in the animal laboratory, and observation in the operating room and cystoscopy suites has allowed many international fellows to develop laparoscopic and endoscopic skills which have been used to initiate minimally invasive urology programs in their home countries.
Fellowship Application Instructions
Initial Step
To initiate application a proposal must be submitted to Dr. Jaime Landman, chairman of the Department of Urology and Program Director at landmanj@hs.uci.edu. A letter of intent describing the applicant’s goals, length of proposed fellowship, curriculum vitae, and three letters of support should be included in the proposal. Fellowship opportunities are granted by a review committee on the basis of merit and space availability.
Second Step
After acceptance into the international fellowship program, securing the fellowship will require payment in the amount of an administrative fee of $1,000 (US) which will be due with your application. Please follow the link below to process payment and provide a payment confirmation email to gzuno@hs.uci.edu.
Third Step
After finalizing your payment, you may contact Ms. Griselda Zuno at gzuno@hs.uci.edu for assistance with the onboarding form and obtaining a VISA. Information regarding a VISA can also be found at the web site of International Center www.ic.uci.edu The “J” VISA is for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the U.S. Department of State, entitled “Exchange Visitor Program.” Please be advised that the processing time for a J-1 Visa is currently 3 months.
The International Center Office will send you the original copy of the DS 2019 which you should keep with you at all times. Your program should begin within 30 days of your specified start date on your DS-2019 form.
Office Address:
Griselda Zuno
Department of Urology
3800 W Chapman Ave, Suite 7200
Orange, CA 92868
To obtain the J-1 VISA, you must apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence. To do so, you will need the following documentation:
- Form DS-2019. The exchange visitor must complete and sign the bottom portion of the DS-2019
- If your family is applying for J-2 visas, they will need a DS-2019 issued for J-2 dependents
- Evidence of financial ability to meet expenses
- Evidence of residence abroad and intent to depart the U.S. after completion of the program
- Valid Passport
- “Non-immigrant Visa Application”
- Photographs
- Visa fee
- SEVIS fee ($220)
- Visa reciprocity fee (if applicable)
The U.S. Embassy or Consulate may require additional documentation. You should verify requirements with the embassy or consulate where you will be applying.
Upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry, you and your accompanying family members must present a valid passport with visa and Form DS-2019. Be sure to carry all immigrations documents with you on the plane (not in your luggage) as you will need them at the inspection station.
Fourth Step
You must arrive two weeks prior to your start date for a Medical Clearance. Please coordinate your appointment for medical clearance with Mrs. Griselda Zuno via email at gzuno@hs.uci.edu
The documents Ms. Zuno will need to submit include:
- Clinical Observer Packet
- Copy of Health Insurance Card (The Department of Urology is unable to provide health insurance for international fellows)
Fifth Step
Upon arrival in the United States:
1. Department of State and SEVIS regulations require that you complete New Scholar Check-In at the International Center after you arrive in the U.S. The check-in process validates your J-1 status in order to allow you to engage in your planned activity at UCI. You must complete this within 3 business days of arrival in the U.S. The International Center will not hold in-person New Scholar Check-In Sessions. New incoming J-1 scholars will need to complete this process remotely. J-1 scholars will need to send the items below as a PDF attachment in one e-mail to internationalscholar@uci.edu.
2. Apply for a Social Security Number
You must apply for a Social Security number if you do not have a Social Security number from a previous U.S. visit. Instructions can be found on the IC website.
NOTE: Your SEVIS record must be validated prior to applying for the Social Security Number otherwise your record will not appear in the Social Security database.
Accommodations
The Department of Urology is unable to provide housing for international fellows. However, prior fellows have had success working with several organizations. Information on accommodations can be obtained from many web sites. Please visit the link below: https://ic.uci.edu/resources-2/
Housing
Housing in the Irvine area may be expensive. We recommend that you make your housing arrangements prior to coming to Irvine, if at all possible. Your UCI department will likely provide some assistance to you. Below are some links that may assist you
Off-Campus Housing
UCI Irvine Campus Housing Authority
The Irvine Apartment Communities