Visa Types for International Academic Visitors
Descriptions of Visa types
B1 Visitor for Business (also WB visa waiver for business):
- Can be used for speakers or for short-term researchers (6 months or less)
- Visitor can be given reimbursement for travel, food and lodging
- If visitor is appointed for ONLY 9 days or less, can also be given an honorarium
- Can not be paid salary
- Visitor must apply for the B1 visa at a consulate unless from visa waiver country
- If from visa waiver country, visitor must request WB status (waiver for business, not WT for tourism) when entering U.S. and must have the return air ticket and letter of invitation from Cornell host department with them upon entry in order to be granted WB status. WB will be granted for no more than 3 months.
- More information and procedures
J1 Visiting Professor or Research Scholar:
- Can be used for academic visitors who will be appointed at Cornell
- May be paid a salary by Cornell
- Must be appointed but do not necessarily have to be paid by Cornell
- Short term or long term up to 3 years total
- Not appropriate for one time speaking engagement
- Visitor could be subject to the two year home rule
- Department fills our "J Scholar Initial Request" form, ISSO creates "certificate of eligibility" (DS-2019) and visitor applies for the J1 visa stamp at a U.S. consulate.
- More information and application procedures
TN (Trade NAFTA, available to citizens of Canada or Mexico):
- Can be used for academic visitors who will be appointed and paid at Cornell
- Can be paid a salary by Cornell
- Short-term or long-term
- Not appropriate for one time speaking engagement
- Canadian citizens apply at U.S. border with offer letter from Cornell
- The TN application procedures for Mexican citizens are more lengthy.
- More information and application procedures
H1B Temporary Worker of Distinguished Merit and Ability
- Can be used for academic visitors who will be appointed at Cornell
- Must be paid a salary by Cornell
- Salary must match "prevailing wage" determined by NY State Dep't of Labor
- Most appropriate for longer term academic positions (1 year or more) but can be used for shorter appointments if absolutely necessary
- Department initiates application and sends completed packet to ISSO; ISSO sends application to immigration service
- Takes 3 to 5 months for normal processing time; 4 to 6 weeks if extra $1000 premium processing fee is paid
- More information and application procedures
O1 Alien of Extraordinary Ability
- Can be used for academic visitors who will be appointed at Cornell who have earned great distinction in his or her field
- Must be paid a salary by Cornell
- Most appropriate for longer term academic positions (1 year or more) when the H1B is not a possibility
- Department initiates application and sends completed packet to ISSO; ISSO sends application to immigration service
- More information and application procedures
Permanent Residency (Green Card)
- Appropriate for permanent academic positions at Cornell
- Position must be permanent
- Various criteria must be met--please make appointment with Laura Taylor at ISSO to discuss details if you are considering permanent residency
- Employee initiates application with support of department
- ISSO assists employee in putting together application; ISSO sends to immigration service
- More information and application procedures