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.
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
CUIMC departments should contact ISSO-CUIMC.
If your scholar is pursuing an undergraduate degree at their home institution, please proceed to the J-1 Student Intern web page and follow its instructions.
Gather your documents
Log in 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.
Note: In Part 1, your scholar’s name and the name(s) of any institution(s) with which the scholar is affiliated will undergo Visual Compliance Screening (VCS).
- If there is no match, you will be able to proceed in the SSP
- If there is a match, immediately contact your Designated Reviewer to clear or resolve the match with the Export Control Office. Once resolved, you will be able to proceed in 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 10 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 sent.
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
CUIMC departments should contact ISSO-CUIMC.
Gather your documents
Log in 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 10 business days for us to review and process your application. We will email your scholar when we have sent the extended DS-2019. We will send a copy of the extended DS-2019 to you.
Related Information
- SSP Guide for J-1 Scholars
- SSP Overview
- SSP Guide for Department
- Visual Compliance Designated Reviewers for SSP
- Export Control Office
- Dean/Directors Approval for VS Designations
- Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
- Visiting Scholar Fee Payment Form
- English Language Proficiency Verification