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Visa Options for Short-Term International Visiting Scholars or Researchers

WB (Visa Waiver for Business) - under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program (VWPP):

Available to individuals from the following countries (list of countries change periodically): Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Limited to 90 days (no extensions allowed and the visitor cannot change to another visa status). Countries listed in bold type are required to have machine-readable passports by October 26, 2004. For more info, go to: http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_novisa_waiver.html.

• Visitors in this category can be paid an honorarium or expenses.
• Department provides letter of invitation to visitor that includes the beginning and ending dates of expected stay at Miami (not to exceed 90 days), a description of what the visitor will be doing, and the amount of payment or compensation, if applicable.
• Visitor must present to the immigration officer upon arrival in the U.S. the Dept. letter and a round-trip airline ticket that is issued on a carrier that has signed an agreement with the U.S. government to participate in the waiver program. (No ticket required for those entering from Mexico or Canada.) The visitor should request "Visitor for Business" status under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers became subject to the US-VISIT program's entry and exit procedures as of September 30, 2004. In addition, beginning October 26, 2004, VWP travelers from all 27 VWP countries will have to present machine-readable passports (MRPs) to be admitted under the VWP. The MRP requirement applies only to travelers from VWP countries who wish to enter the United States visa-free as business or tourist visitors under the VWP; it does not apply to travelers that enter the United States on the basis of a nonimmigrant visa. For information on both changes, access: http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_novisa_waiver.html.

NOTE: This option should not be chosen if there is any possibility that the visitor may want to remain in the U.S. for a period longer than 90 days (no extensions allowed). The visitor in this category is not permitted to be engaged in a formal study program. For more information, go to: http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_novisa_waiver.html

B-1 (Visitor for Business)

Available worldwide. Usually granted for six months, but may be extended another six months.

• Visitors in this category may be paid an honorarium, as well as travel and living expenses. HOWEVER, visitors on B-1 who are being paid an honoraria or expenses cannot be at any single institution or organization for more than 9 days and must not accept payment or expenses from more than 6 institutions or organizations in the 6-month period of the visa's duration. The 9-day/six institution rule does not apply to those who are only reimbursed for expenses and not receiving an honoraria or a per diem.
• Department provides a letter of invitation to the visitor that includes the beginning and ending dates of the visitor's stay, a description of what the visitor will be doing, and the amount and type of payment.
• Visitor obtains B-1 visa stamp in passport before traveling to the U.S. ($100 application fee).

NOTE: A B-1 Visitor for Business can be compensated for travel and living expenses at a maximum per diem rate established by the IRS (consult Payroll Office). For more information, go to: http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_types_visitor2.html

F-1 Student on Practical Training or J-1 Student on Academic Training

Students in F-1 status can accept temporary Faculty or Visiting Scholar Appointments for a maximum period of 12 months. For J-1 students, the maximum period is 18 months for teaching/research appointments, and 36 months for post-doc positions. A change of visa status would be required if the period of the appointment should extend beyond these time limitations. Authorization to be employed must be obtained with the assistance of the International Student Adviser at the F-1 student's home institution, or from the J-1 student's Exchange Visitor Sponsor.

J-1 students and their dependents are required by federal regulations to purchase insurance that provides coverage for health, repatriation and emergency medical evacuation for the entire period of their stay in the U.S.

J-1 (Exchange Visitor)

Available worldwide. Professor, and research scholar categories may obtain J-1 status for a maximum period of up to 5 years. Short-term scholar category has a maximum period of 6 months.

• Department completes the form "Request for Temporary Appointment of International Scholar or Researcher as J-1 Exchange Visitor" and submits it to Academic Personnel.
• The International Student and Scholar Adviser prepares visa document (DS-2019) and mails to Exchange Visitor with a copy of Provost's appointment letter to the Department Chair.
• Visitor applies to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a J-1 visa before traveling to the U.S. If the Visitor is already in the U.S. in the J-1 professor or research scholar category, and has not used up the 3 year limit, he/she can transfer to Miami (does not have to pay the SEVIS fee unless coming from a SEVIS0-fee exempt Gov't J program).
• An applicant for a J-1 professor or research scholar position who is outside the U.S. is not eligible if he/she was physically present in the U.S. in any J category (including J-2) for more than 6 months of the last 12 months. (This does not apply to those who were in the Short-Term category within the last 12 months.)

All J-1 applicants who are outside the U.S. must pay the $100 SEVIS fee (in addition to the visa application fee) before their visa interview. To pay the fee, go to: www.FMJfee.com.

NOTE: A J-1 student on Academic Training can not change visa status to any other nonimmigrant category if subject to the two-year home residence requirement and can not change categories from J-1 student to J-1 Visiting Scholar/Researcher, or vice versa. J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents are required by federal regulations to purchase insurance that provides coverage for health, repatriation and emergency medical evacuation for the entire period of their stay in the U.S., even if they are coming for only a brief visit. For more information and to download the DS-2019 request form and procedures go to: www.muohio.edu/international (hiring int'l faculty).

TN (North American Free Trade Agreement)

Available only to Canadian and Mexican citizens. Granted for up to one year at a time, with unlimited renewals. Can be full- or part-time. This visa status is available only for those in certain specialty occupations.

• Department provides letter of invitation specifying the professional activity, the expected length of stay, and the amount of salary or other compensation.
• There is a $50 fee to be paid at the U.S. border for Canadians but not for Mexican applicants
• Canadian applicants get the TN visa at the border after supplying all the above information and fee. Mexican applicants must obtain a TN visa in their passport before entering the U.S.
• Dependents may accompany employee to the U.S.
• For extensions, TN holders or their employers can file Form I-129, Form I-539, fee and supporting documentation to the CIS Nebraska Service Center, or the TN holder can leave the U.S. and renew at the border (same procedure as initial application, but with a new appointment letter).

For more information about TN visas, what to show at the U.S. border, and how to obtain a list of recognized occupations list, visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_types_temp_nafta.html

For visa tips and information, go to: http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_info.html