For Visiting J-1 Scholars
Welcome to the ISSS Scholar webpage, where you can learn more about inviting and hosting a J-1 international visiting scholar. Hosting an international scholar - generally referred to as J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) - helps enrich research, professional and cultural exchange on campus. Thank you for being a part of building international diversity and culture at UAlbany.
The U.S. Department of State has a long tradition of encouraging educational and cultural exchanges between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The J Exchange Visitor category was developed to implement the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (Fulbright-Hayes Act) of 1961 and is now part of SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
The ISSS Office helps facilitate this program by providing advice and support to hosting departments and their scholars. International scholars are normally non-tenure track researchers or instructors (non-staff positions). Other J-1 exchange visitor categories include foreign university student interns and non-degree cohorts participating in short-term instruction/training programs.
ISSS offers support during the invitation process and provides the immigration document (DS-2019) for scholars to apply for a J-1 visa. ISSS also provides additional information to help the University, hosting departments, and scholars comply with the program requirements of the U.S. Department of State.
Scholars are Often Self-Funded
The majority of scholars at UAlbany are self-funded, either personally or through their overseas-affiliated institutions. While ISSS assists departments through the immigration processes of inviting and hosting scholars, funds need to be secured from other sources to help support scholars' research and related activities. For more information about funding sources for international scholars at UAlbany visit the J-1 Scholar Funding Sources page.
Scholars may be invited and hosted by UAlbany academic departments, centers and institutes, and some affiliated organizations. Exchange visitors must conduct their full-time scholar/intern activities as outlined in their program objective and at their geographic "site of activity" location listed on the DS-2019 visa document (and as noted in SEVIS).
Below is information and instructions, including information on the J-1 scholar application, scholar categories, departmental responsibilities, funding sources and considerations for sensitive/critical areas of research and countries of concern.
What You Need to Know
This page is divided into four major parts, including necessary information, steps and instructions for both the hosting department and invited scholar.
The Invitation Process
This section contains pertinent Information (for both the department/sponsoring faculty and scholar)
- Departments - please review the invitation process to request a DS-2019 to host a visiting scholar.
- Prospective scholars - contact your academic department of interest for more information on program availability within that respective department.
Both departments and scholars should review information about fees and other requirements prior to applying.
Pre-Arrival Preparation
Incoming scholars must review all pre-arrival requirements including visa application requirements and what to expect upon arrival.
Post-Arrival Program Requirements
Scholars must complete certain requirements upon arrival at UAlbany. Hosts and scholars should also familiarize themselves with the requirements for maintaining J-1 status while the scholar is participating in an exchange visitor program in the U.S.
Other Important Considerations
Sponsors and scholars should review the list of other considerations which may arise incidental to the visiting scholar's program, such as sensitive/critical areas of research, export control, transfer procedures and dependent information.