Scholars on J-1 Visa

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Legal Status

Important Documents

Employment Authorization

Change of Address Procedure

Transfer Procedures

Permanent Departures from the University of Minnesota

Violation of Status

Two Year Rule

24/12 Month Bar

Other Important Information

J-2 Dependents

Health Care and Insurance

Travel/Reentry With J-1 Visa

Payroll Documents

Identification Documents

J-1 Scholar Forms

Department of State Code

International Scholar Handbook

Scholar Orientation

J Scholars

Passport & Entry Visa

J-1 Scholars: Occasional Lectures and Short-term Consultations
(for professional activities outside of the UMN campus)
J-1 Exchange Visitors on a DS-2019 issued by the Univ. of MN-ISSS (P-1-00045) only

REMUNERATION, WAGES, OR REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES

J-1 Scholars (Professor, Research Scholar, or Short-term Scholar categories) may be invited to other institutions and organizations to provide lectures or consultations for a limited period of time.

To receive remuneration or wages (salary not allowed) for the activity, you are required by law to receive ISSS authorization prior to the start of the activity.
Please read the instructions below.

The specific requirements are as follows:

• The activity must be directly related to the objectives of the exchange visitor’s program at the University of Minnesota.
• The activity must be merely incidental to the scholar’s primary program activities.
• The activity may not be on-going.
• The activity must not delay the completion date of the exchange visitor’s program.
• The exchange visitor must act as an independent contractor (not an employee) in the activity.
• The activity must be approved in advance and in writing by the Responsible Officer (RO) of the J-1 program sponsor. Authorization is required for payment.
• The activity must be documented in SEVIS.

Obtaining ISSS Authorization:

1. You must obtain a letter from the institution, company, or person offering the employment which states the terms and conditions of the offer, including:
• duration,
• number of hours,
• field or subject,
• amount of compensation, and
• description of activity.
2. You must obtain a letter from the University of Minnesota faculty supervisor or department head recommending the activity and explaining how it would enhance the scholar’s program.
3. You must see an ISSS J adviser during J walk-in advising hours or make an appointment.  Bring the following:
1. letter from the institution, company, or person offering the employment
2. letter from the U of MN faculty supervisor or dept. head
3. the “J-1 Scholar Service Request Form”
4. The ISSS J adviser will review the information provided.  If the adviser determines that the activity is warranted and satisfies the requirements, s/he will write a letter authorizing the activity.  The letter must state that the activity meets the requirements.  The letter will be available two days after the application is submitted.  The letter can be picked up at the front desk, 190 Humphrey Center.

Last Update: March 31, 2009