International Faculty and Visiting Scholars
The Office of International Studies and Programs is pleased to provide immigration advising for departments who wish to invite foreign faculty and scholars to conduct research and teaching programs at ISU. Collaborating with international faculty and scholars can result in new professional, research, cultural and social insights. Hosting foreign professionals is also a valuable way of keeping in step with globalization and contributing to ISU's internationalization goals.
At ISU, most international visitors are invited as Exchange Visitor Scholars with the J-1 Visa, or they are hired as International Faculty with the H-1B Visa. The visa type used depends on the nature of the person's program.
What Is An International Faculty Person?
- The university often invites international visitors to work as "faculty" or professional teaching staff for long-term employment.
- This kind of program requires Immigration processing for the H-1B Visa, which our office does in collaboration with the hiring ISU department and the person being hired.
- The main focus is employment and to fulfill employment needs at the university.
- International faculty may eventually accept tenure-track positions.
What Is A Visiting Scholar or Exchange Visitor?
- An exchange visitor scholar is someone who temporarily comes to the university to teach, do research, or both. Although the word, "scholar," may imply that the person is engaged in studying, Immigration sees scholars as having completely different objectives than students. Whereas students are admitted and enrolled at ISU, scholars are not; instead, they spend all their time here conducting research or teaching in their field of interest. They are also usually professionals who have already obtained a bachelor's degree. To be eligible for a scholar category, the candidate must be of the calibre of a researcher or professor at home, and have qualifications that make him an expert in his field.
- Generally, ISU departments invite exchange visitors in 3 main categories: Research Scholar, Professor and Short-term (research) Scholars. Which 1 category is most fitting depends on the objectives of the Exchange Visitor’s program at ISU and the person's credentials.
- Exchange visitor scholars must apply for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. The International Studies Office collaborates with the hosting ISU department and the person being invited so that the appropriate immigration documents can be created..
- The U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs administer the Exchange Visitor Program. This program makes it possible for international students and scholars to temporarily visit the United States to enhance mutual understanding and goodwill.
- Illinois State University is an Immigration sponsor of The Exchange Visitor Program. This means that we are a legal entity that has applied for and received designation from the U.S. Department of State to conduct an exchange visitor program.
