Interested in Hosting or Hiring A Foreign Scholar?

Hiring A Temporary Worker in Specialty Occupation (H-1B Visa)

Employees in H-1B classification are "temporary workers in a speciality occupation." This means that they are in the United States to perform professional services for Illinois State University. If you are interested in hiring a foreign faculty member as an Illinois State employee, please contact Michael Schmelzle in the International Studies Office. Michael is the primary Immigration advisor for H-1B visa holders and he will help you get started. You may reach him at 438-7901.

Hosting A Visiting Scholar for An Exchange Program (J-1 Visa)

If you are interested in inviting a foreign scholar to teach or conduct research as an exchange visitor, your first step is to contact Stephanie Gonzalez, who works with exchange visitors. When you meet, Stephanie will explain the invitation process, provide information about the exchange visitor program, explain your options, and answer your questions. Please contact her at 438-5112 to make an appointment.

To learn more about inviting an Exchange Visitor before meeting with Stephanie, please visit the links below:

Instructions and Application Forms
Other Considerations and Responsibilties for the Hosting Department
Exchange Visitor Brochure from the U.S. Department of State
Sample Letter of Invitation
Receiving Approval for Guest Lectures or Consultations (Incidental Employment)
Extending An Exchange Visitor's Program
Read A Brochure about Being A J-1 Scholar at Illinois State University

Other Visa Types and Immigration Classifications

ISU departments sometimes wish to invite tourists or guests in other visa classifications. For information, please contact an Immigration advisor at 438-5276.

Tourists

Sometimes tourists wish to visit ISU. There are several types of tourist visas; which one fits best depends on the objectives and activities of the visitor. Whether or not they may visit ISU as tourists depends on several criteria: 1) What they plan to do at ISU; 2) Whether or not they will receive any form of payment from ISU; and 3) How long they will visit.

The B-1 Visitor Visa is intended for business and professional purposes. The visitor is coming for his or her own benefit or for his employer at home. Read what activities B-1 Visa holders can do in the U.S.
The B-2 Visitor Visa is for pleasure and recreational purposes. According to the U.S. Department of State, the purpose of travel for B-2 visitors should be "recreational in nature, including tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment, and activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature."
Citizens of some foreign countries may enter the U.S. without having to apply for a visa. Read about the WB Business and WT Tourist Visa Waivers and Information for New Visa Waiver Country Members

Departments should be aware of the following information, especially with regard to honoraria, reimbursements, payments and travel expenses.

There are legal restrictions about the kinds of payments that tourists or visa waiver visitors can receive while in the U.S.
For example, according to the 9-5-6 Rule, visitors coming to the U.S. to give a lecture or speak at a U.S. institution may accept reimbursement of incidental expenses ONLY under the following conditions:
- ...for usual academic activity or activities involving visits of 9 days or less; and if the individual has accepted such payment from no more than 5 educational or research institutions*, in the previous 6-month period.
Please be aware that international guests and visitors who receive honorariums or payments associated to incidental expenses and/or travel expenses are subject to taxes imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.
- Should you have any questions about purchasing things for your visitor or paying him or her in any way, please contact Brenda Banwart in the Payroll Office at 438-3106. Brenda is the International Tax Specialist at ISU. She can provide valuable information about purchases, payments or reimbursements that you should know about before inviting tourists.