Steps for Hosting a Scholar

If it's deemed necessary that the Scholar should come on a J-1 visa, these are the steps that need to be taken to initiate the J-1 Visa process:

  1. The Hosting Department must contact the International Scholars Team at the Padnos International Center and convey their intent of hosting a scholar. 
  2. Together with the International Scholars Team, a recommended Visa Type will be decided.
  3. The individual intending to apply for the J-1 visa type should complete the appropriate application.
    • A key application requirement is Proof of Funding. Either the visiting scholar or the hosting department must provide Proof of Funding for the visit. 
    • The Hosting Department must determine the level of English proficiency required and communicate this to the Scholar. More details in the Application Requirements section. 
  4. The hosting department must then provide PIC with an official letter of intent to invite the proposed visiting scholar; this letter must be on the department’s official letterhead.  The invitation letter should include the following information:
    1. Specific beginning and ending dates of the scholar’s program
      1. When choosing the beginning and ending dates of the program, do not factor in extra travel time.  Scholars may enter the US up to 30 days prior to the program start date and may depart up to 30 days after the program end date (the J-1 visa grace period).
    2. Summary of the scholar’s proposed activities.
    3. Specific amount of payment, if any.
  5. The International Scholars Team processes the DS-2019 form. 
  6. The International Scholars Team mails the completed DS-2019 form and departmental invitation letter to the proposed visiting scholar.


Page last modified September 9, 2024