Inviting Foreign Scholars, Professors
and Guest Speakers/Performers

If you are planning on bringing in a non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident on campus, please notify the Office of International Education & Off-Campus Study. It is important to verify that this individual has the appropriate immigration and tax paperwork submitted.

Why invite a foreign scholar, professor or guest speaker/performer to DePauw?
Regardless of the research or professional experience, those from other countries and cultures bring with them different perspectives of their field of study/work, different cultural beliefs and practices, and an interest in learning about the United States. They invigorate the classroom, provide students with a new perspective of the world and their field of study, and challenge our understanding of the world and of ourselves.

How do I invite a foreign scholar, professor or guest speaker/performer to DePauw?
We encourage you to think about inviting a foreign visitor to campus to give one or more lectures, to work collaboratively with you on a research project, or to teach a class in your department. DePauw University is able to provide some financial support and logistical support, but is is important to start this process early. Below you will find more information about each of these options. If you are interested in inviting a foreign scholar or professor to campus or you would like more information, please contact the Associate Director of International Education & Off-Campus Study (staff contact information).

There are several immigration categories that your visitor may fall into. It is important to determine what your visitor will do while at DePauw to determine if s/he is participating in the appropriate visa program. The two primary categories are a B-visa and a J-visa.

B-visa - Often for guest speakers or performers
If the visitor is arriving from outside the U.S. on a B visitor’s visa or via the visa waiver program, it is important to verify that this person has either a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) of an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). If the individual does not, please advise him or her to visit this IRS website so that an application can be submitted. The guest speaker/ performer cannot be paid a stipend without either a SSN or ITIN.

Please download and review the requirements to bring a guest speaker in B or visa waiver status. The guest must complete this form, provide copies of his/her SSN or ITIN, passport, visa (if applicable), and both sides of the I-94 card.

J-visa - Often for short-term scholars, researchers or professors
Under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, DePauw University is able to initiate student exchange programs with universities around the world; invite a professor, research scholar, or person with similar education or accomplishments, to visit campus to lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills; and invite faculty professors to campus to engage in research, teaching, and lecturing with their DePauw faculty members.

Short-Term Scholars (22 CFR 62.21)
A short-term scholar is a professor, research scholar, or person with similar education or accomplishments, who visits the US to lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills.

  • Short-Term Scholars have a maximum of six months on their program. This program cannot be extended.
  • Participation in conferences, workshops, seminars or other events not listed on the DS-2019 requires written authorization from the Responsible Officer.

Professor (22 CFR 62.20)
Professors may engage in research, teaching, and lecturing with their American colleagues.

  • J-1 Professors cannot hold tenure-track positions.

Professors cannot be present in the U.S. in J-visa status for any part of the 12 months preceding the start date of their programs. Those professors that were present in the U.S. no more than six months or were participating as a Short-Term Scholar are exempt from this 12-month bar.

Student (22 CFR 62.23)
DePauw University is also able to initiate student exchange programs with universities around the world. Students may participate as part of a written exchange agreement between American and international educational institutions, an American educational institution and a foreign government, or a state or local government in the US and a foreign government.

  • Students must pursue full-time study.
  • Students must participate for a minimum of three weeks.
  • J-1 students may work up to 20 hours a week on-campus (if available) with written authorization from the Responsible Officer. An on-campus job is not guaranteed. Students cannot make sufficient money to support their education through on-campus employment; these funds will not be considered when providing sufficient funds for the University.

All J-1 Exchange Visitors are subject to certain regulations:

  • The Exchange Visitor participant will receive a nonimmigrant J-visa as participants must have a residence abroad that they have no intention of abandoning.
  • Participants are admitted to the U.S. based on completing the objectives set forth in a single J-1 program category.
  • Program participants will pay a nonrefundable $100 SEVIS 1-901 fee prior to receiving a US J- visa.
  • The J-1 participant must show sufficient funds for self and dependents prior to the issuance of DS-2019.
  • Participants must show sufficient insurance coverage as outlined by the U.S. Department of State. An adequate policy will be available for purchase from the University.
  • All J-1 participants will receive pre-arrival and orientation information. All exchange visitors must attend a mandatory orientation as stipulated by U .S. immigration law.
  • Proof of English language proficiency is required.
  • Students, Short-Term Scholars, and Professors have a 30-day departure grace period from the date their program is completed.
  • All Exchange Visitors must make keep a valid, unexpired passport and DS-2019.
  • Current contact information must be on file with the Responsible Officer of the J -program (located in the Durham House).