J-1 Professor
The Exchange Visitor Program is managed by the U.S. Department of State. Its purpose is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is an immigration sponsor of the Exchange Visitor Program. Exchange visitors have J-1 Visa immigration status.
Professors
- J-1 Professors are invited to teach on the SIUE campus.
- Visiting professors generally do not enroll in or audit classes. Instead, they are engaged full time in teaching, grading and researching.
- Visiting professors may be paid or unpaid by the University—if they have been hired to teach University classes, visiting professors must be paid according to labor laws.
- Visiting professors must have an offer letter if they will be employed by SIUE.
The Office of International Affairs creates the immigration form (DS-2019) needed to apply for the J-1 visa.
Eligibility
Visiting professors must be researchers or professors at home, or have similar expertise and qualifications. (To invite undergraduate students, ask about the J-1 Student Intern category.) They must prove English proficiency and adequate funding to cover cost-of-living expenses while in Edwardsville.
Timing
Visiting professors are eligible to stay in the U.S. from three weeks to five years depending on the program.
Funding
The Department of State (DOS) requires that Exchange Visitors have sufficient funds to cover their expenses. Visiting professors can be self-funded; they do not need to be employed or funded by SIUE.
Limitations
Visiting professors may only engage in employment or receive payments or reimbursements when related to their SIUE program for which they have received prior written authorization. Receiving anything in return for services rendered (consulting, presenting) such as pay, free airfare, free hotel stay or lodging, etc., constitutes an employment relationship according to ICE. Any employment must be pre approved by an SIUE International Advisor.
