Sponsoring and Extending a J-1 Visiting Scholar
Before You Sponsor
a scholar who is coming to Columbia to do independent, non-collaborative research only. See the university's description of a visiting scholar in the Faculty Handbook.
- a scholar conducting collaborative research. If collaborating, an officer-level research appointment is appropriate.
- a visitor coming to Columbia to perform a service for a very short period and leave—such as to conduct a workshop or give a lecture. If the visitor needs an immigration status allowing the visitor to be paid, contact us so we may determine which status is appropriate.
Visiting Scholar stay is normally limited to a year, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
You will need to apply to our office to obtain a DS-2019. We will issue the DS-2019 within 5 business days of a complete application.
Submit application 3 months before the start date.
This allows time for the scholar to obtain a passport (if needed) and apply for a visa at a US Consulate.
How to Sponsor a J-1 Visiting Scholar
CUMC departments should contact ISSO-CUMC.
Gather your documents
Login to the Scholar Sponsorship Portal (SSP) with your UNI and password to submit all three parts of your application
This application consists of 3 parts. All 3 parts must be completed before we receive your application. Contact us if you are a department administrator requesting access to the SSP.
Learn more about the SSP
To learn about the process and what each part covers, please visit our SSP Overview page.
For online help and tutorials, visit our SSP Department Guide.
We will contact you
Allow up to 5 business days for us to review and process your application. We will notify you by email when your scholar’s new DS-2019 has been shipped.
Keep in Mind
Do not put Visiting Scholar data into DIA! We authorize UNI creation and ID card issuance. Visiting Scholars do not appear in the Columbia University directory.
How to Extend a J-1 Visiting Scholar
Before You Extend
How to Extend
CUMC departments should contact ISSO-CUMC.
Gather your documents
Login to the Scholar Sponsorship Portal (SSP) with your UNI and password to submit all three parts of your application
This application consists of 3 parts. All 3 parts must be completed before we receive your application. Contact us if you are a department administrator requesting access to the SSP.
Learn more about the SSP
To learn about the process and what each part covers, please visit our SSP Overview page.
For online help and tutorials, visit our SSP Department Guide.
We will contact you
Allow up to 5 business days for us to review and process your application. We will email your scholar when we have shipped the extended DS-2019. We will send a copy of the extended DS-2019 to you.