Information for Departments
departmental instructions and Responsibilities for hosting j-1 exchange visitors
Most visiting researchers and scholars come to the United States on J-1 exchange visitor visas. The Exchange Visitor program is administered by the US Department of State and is designed specifically for international educational and cultural exchange. Before proceeding, please read the information provided on this website and the complete text of the guidelines titled, “Oklahoma State University J-1 Exchange Visitor Program for Professors, Research Scholars and Short-Term Scholars” . This document provides important information on J-1 Exchange program policies, procedures and limitations. It will answer your questions about program eligibility, limits on length of stay, financing and employment. It will also clarify whether the J-1 Exchange program is appropriate.
Oklahoma State University has been designated by the Department of State to sponsor an Exchange Visitor program. As such, all departments inviting Exchange Visitors are subject to all program regulations and carry certain obligations for hosting Exchange Visitors.
Keep in mind that negotiating exchanges, appointments and handling immigration matters can be a time consuming process. It is very important that OSU Departments not issue letters of offer or invitation to international scholars before confirming with the Office of International Students and Scholars that intended employment or activities are appropriate for the immigration status sought. Foreign scholars coming to OSU on permanent faculty appointments for regular employment must obtain immigrant status; they are not eligible for the J-1 Exchange Program. Please see information about the H1-B visa and immigration status.
Once you have read the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program information and have consulted with ISS to make certain the J-1 program is appropriate, please review the following procedures and obligations for hosting Exchange Visitors listed in the Checklist for Hosting an Exchange Visitor.
PLEASE START THE PROCESS EARLY!!
OSU DEPARTMENTS SHOULD SUBMIT REQUESTS FOR EXCHANGE VISITORS TO THE OFFICE OF INTENATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS AT LEAST 8-12 WEEKS BEFORE THE INTENDED PROGRAM START DATE.
If you have further questions, please contact the Office of International Students and Scholars for clarification.