Knowing Your Visas

 

Once your department decides to host an international scholar at GVSU, it is important to choose the correct visa.  There are three commonly used visas, only one of which your scholar will need. 

In very general terms, the visa options are as follows:

  • J-1 exchange visitors travel to the United States through a Department of State approved sponsor program to teach, study, receive training or demonstrate special skills.
  • The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is best for very short visits (1-2 months or less)
  • The H-1B* employment visa is the best for incoming employees who will be paid salaries commensurate with US faculty pay scales. *If a scholar visits using this visa, then they must go through Human Resources at GVSU.

More than likely, the J-1 visa status will be used by the hosting department.   

J-1 Categories

Professor

A professor is defined as: an individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at post-secondary accredited educational institutions, museums, libraries, or similar types of institutions. A professor may also conduct research, unless disallowed by the sponsor.

Short Term Scholar

A short-term scholar is defined as: a professor, research scholar, specialist, or a person with similar education or accomplishments coming to the United States on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited educational institutions, or similar types of institutions.

General Rules

General rules for choosing the correct category:

  • If you are sure that the scholar will be staying at GVSU for six months or less, the Short Term Scholar category is best.
  • If the scholar will be here more than six months, or if there is a good chance of an extension that would push the visit beyond six months, the Professor category is best. 

Immigration Status FAQ

Immigration Status

B1/B2 (with Work Designation)

J-1

H-1B

Is Scholar eligible for a Social Security Number?

No

Yes (after 10 working days in the US)

Yes (after 10 working days in the US)

Is Scholar eligible for Travel Reimbursement?

Yes

Yes

Yes

Is Scholar eligible for Honorarium?

Yes

Yes

No

Is Scholar eligible for Payroll Paycheck?

No

Yes

Yes

Will the Scholar be taxed at 30% on the honorarium?

Yes

Sometimes- depends on the length of stay

No

Must the Scholar file US Federal Taxes?

Yes (Forms 1040NR and 8843)

Yes (Forms 1040NR and 8843)

Yes (Forms 1040NR and 8843)

How long may a Scholar stay in the United States? 

Up to 6 months

Maximum of 3 years

Maximum of 6 years

Is the Scholar eligible for claiming a tax treaty? 

Depends on the Country of Citizenship.  Scholar should contact Luanne Brown in Payroll.  

Depends on the Country of Citizenship.  Scholar should contact Luanne Brown in Payroll.

Depends on the Country of Citizenship.  Scholar should contact Luanne Brown in Payroll.



Page last modified October 19, 2016