I am not currently eligible to work in the US. Can I apply?

Yes! International writers who don’t currently have a work visa are welcome to apply for Shearing Fellowships. Months ahead of your intended arrival date, you will work with BMI/UNLV to submit a DS-2019 filing in efforts to secure a J-1 Exchange Visitors (“scholars visa”) enabling you to work in the US during your fellowship. Unfortunately, BMI/UNLV cannot offer this same service for our shorter term fellowships (117° and BMI-Kluge Fellowship) given the quick turnaround from fellowship acceptance to start date.

International writers with dual citizenship, or those who are already eligible to work in the US, may apply for the 117° and BMI-Kluge Fellowships. Travel funds are provided to the BMI-Kluge Fellow, but please note that this allocation is based on the aggregate costs of domestic travel within the United States—so, if you’re flying in from an international location, you may need to cover a portion of your travel costs out of pocket.