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Application process

Here is a PDF document that outlines the whole process

The full application packet should be returned at your earliest convenience. However, they must be postmarked (via snail mail) by the application deadline that you choose. This deadline selection should correspond to the conference for which you wish to be considered. If your full application is received past the deadline, it will be processed for the next deadline.

It is essential that the missionary candidate not "burn their bridges" by selling homes or resigning from employment before receiving specific word that the staff committee has approved them for overseas service! Not all candidates will be approved after screening conference.

The application part one consists of:

• Completing and submitting the online Information Form. 
• Once submitted, you will receive a system-generated e-mail that will allow you access to Application Part Two.

The application part two consists of:

• Press release/Life sketch—completed online
• Submission of the Information part two form—an Omniform mailable filler e-mailed back to the isc-jman@imb.org account

The initial Information Form, the Information Form Part Two and the Life Sketch will be reviewed as soon as possible. If your preliminary application materials are received just after a published application deadline, the consultants who will eventually read your materials will be spending nearly all their time in reading applications for the up coming screening conference. Please be patient as we walk through this process with you. 

After reviewing your preliminary application materials, if there is a need for clarification, a consultant will communicate with you about what is needed for you to move into the full application stage. E-mail is an efficient use of time in getting much of the needed clarification, and we will be able to print out your responses to include them in your personnel file.

The full application part three packet consists of:

• Comprehensive health questionnaire (CHQ)—completed online
• Physical examination—more about this topic ...
• Writing your autobiography—PDF instructions provided
• Sharing of Christian beliefs—Omniform mailable filler or PDF document
• Eight confidential references (eight for each person)—PDF document
• Church recommendation—PDF document
• Higher education transcripts—those age 40 or younger

The full application returned (mailed) in one package.

Your written materials (biography and beliefs) must be returned in a single package postmarked by the deadline you choose. 

• Include the church recommendation if it is available, OR have your church send it directly to the ISC/Journeyman team. 
• Include the medical exam form if it is required.
• Include your transcript (if you have a copy—one "issued to the student" is fine). Do not do both (asking your school to send one AND including a student copy).

Medical forms ought to be completed first within application part three. Medical clearance must be secured prior to an invitation to screening conference.

Transcripts (mailed by the university) and references (mailed by your reference people) may be received after the deadline, but it is your responsibility to get all necessary materials in to the IMB in a timely manner. These type of materials must be in our office no later than 2-3 weeks after the full application deadline, which is in preparation for our file review (the meeting where we decide to whom we will extend an invitation to the screening conference).

After file review, the next five weeks are in preparation for the screening conference: facility reservation, travel arrangements for around 100 people, room assignments, meal preparation and planning, ground transportation arranged, conference groups set up, group leaders arranged, etc...

The Reference List (the one with the eight people listed on one page) should be mailed or faxed at your earliest convenience rather than sending it in the full application package. We need this earlier since references may arrive prior to your full application, and we will be able to receive these and check them against your reference list..

Medical issues

Preliminary medical clearance must be secured before an invitation to screening conference is extended.

It is extremely important to include a valid e-mail address with your CHQ and other IMB paperwork! If our doctors need additional information, they will send an e-mail requesting this information from you or your doctor. If it does not return to us as undeliverable, we assume you received it!

Applicants must understand early that excessive weight is a medical issue. If you sense there may be a medical concern, remember that delays in getting information to our medical office will delay your invitation to screening conference.

Check the "Questions" page for other issues that could cause delays.