International Scholars and Professors (J-1)
Inviting an International Research Scholar or Professor to PSU Information
for Portland State University Departments (J-1 Visa Scholar Status)
Visiting International Research Scholars and Professors
Each year Portland State University hosts over 100 visiting international research
scholars and professors from around the world. Visiting international scholars
and faculty come to Portland State University to collaborate with faculty, staff
or students in their research or teaching areas. Visiting international researchers
or professors may be self-funded, sponsored by the university, home government
or agency or another entity.
J-1 Visa (Visiting International Research Scholars and Professors)
This nonimmigrant visa category for exchange visitors may be used for scholars,
professors, and researchers coming to the university on temporary and/or short-term
appointments for a few months to a maximum of five years. The eligible participant
may not be a candidate for a tenure track position. Certain exchange visitors
on J-1 visas are required by law to return to their home countries for a period
of two years to use the skills and knowledge they gained in the United States
before they may reapply to enter the United States in certain visa categories.
This is known as the two-year home residence requirement. Spouses of J-1 visa
holders are documented on J-2 visas; under some circumstances, they are permitted
to work in the United States.
The Exchange Visitor program is monitored by the Department of State (DoS).
Portland State University and other institutions have been designated by the
DoS as sponsoring institutions for the J-1 Exchange Visitor program. Foreign
nationals who participate in this program in the United States receive J-1 status,
which classifies them as members of this exchange program. The official program
description of the PSU Exchange Visitor Program is:
A program to provide study, teaching, research, observation, consultation,
sharing of skills, cross-cultural activities, or a combination thereof conducted
by PSU and institutes and organizations with which it is affiliated for students,
professors, researchers, short-term scholars, and specialists.
The DoS rarely permits exchange visitors to change categories (e.g., scholar
to student) without first returning home. For this reason it is important to
determine whether a scholar plans to be a student. If the scholar intends to
seek a degree, he or she should apply for admission and be documented as a student.
Students on F-1 student visas or J-1 student visas do not have the same three-year
limitation on visas as professors and research scholars.
J-1 Visa Status Request Procedures: A department
planning to hire or host an international scholar should contact Anne George,
International Student and Scholar Advisor, at 503-725-8596 or by email at ageorge@pdx.edu
to request a "Visiting Scholar Request Form." This form is also available
on the OIA website here. The form
requires specific data on the scholar, information on financial support, and
approval of the department chair and dean. Minimum levels of financial support
(subject to change) are $14,796 per year ($1233 per month) for the scholar,
$9,324 per year ($777 per month) for a spouse, and $3,744 per year ($312 per
month) for each child. Once the completed form is returned to International
Student and Scholar Services, the advisor issues a Certificate of Eligibility
form DS-2019 which is express mailed at departmental expense to the scholar
for use in requesting a J-1 visa.
PSU Department International Visiting
Scholar or Professor Request Form
Scholar Arrival and Departure
(May Enter 30 Days Prior to Start Date and 30 Day Grace Period to Depart)
J-1 visa holders are allowed to enter the US up to 30 days before their program
begin date as reflected on their DS-2019 forms, and have a 30-day "grace
period" to depart the US after the program end date on your DS-2019 form.
J-1 Scholar Arrival Check-In
The US government requires that each J-1 scholar check in with ISSS. PSU is
required to report the J-1 scholar's arrival date, obtain a local address, verify
and copy immigration documents, obtain proof of health insurance coverage, and
validate their status as an exchange visitor. Scholars should call the Office
of International Affairs, 503/725-4094, during the first few days of rrival,
to request an appointment with Anne George. They may also call directly
at 503/725-8596 or email at ageorge@pdx.edu.
Scholars will need to bring passport, I-94 Departure Card, DS-2019 form, and
proof of health insurance. The same documentation is required for each family
member accompanying the J-1 to the US in J-2 visa status. During check-in, ISSS
will assist the scholar in receiving a PSU guest ID card and for those scholars
who will be paid by PSU, we will also issue an employment authorization letter
the scholar will use when he or she meets with Human Resources.
Extension of J-1 Status for an International Scholar
or Professors
Departments wishing to extend the status of a J-1 Scholar or Professors at
PSU should provide a new letter of appointment (courtesy appointment or paid
appointment). Extension appointment letters should include:
- New dates of appointment
- Anticipated activities of the J-1 Scholar or Professor
- Any funding provided by the department (please note Human Resources will
need the original letter of appointment, please provide a copy to ISSS.)
Minimum levels of financial support which continue to apply for the duration
of the extension period (subject to change) are $14,796 per year ($1233 per
month) for the scholar, $9,324 per year ($777 per month) for a spouse, and $3,744
per year ($312 per month) for each child. Scholars may be self-funded or funded
by PSU or outside agency or institution. Proof of funding is required if not
provided in the letter of appointment.
ISSS will issue a new DS-2019 extension document, provided by the US Department
of Homeland Security, and extend the scholar's J-1 status through the new end
date.
J-1 Visa Program Contact:
Anne George
International Student and Scholar Advisor
Responsible Officer (P-1-02286)
Tel: 503-725-8596
Email: ageorge@pdx.edu
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