Immigration for Students and Scholars

Disclaimer: U.S. immigration laws are very complex. The information contained in these files is designed specifically for students and scholars at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Immigration laws are constantly changing, and even though we will attempt to keep these files up-to-date, we cannot guarantee their completeness or accuracy. The information contained herein is not intended to create an attorney/client relationship nor can it be construed as legal advice. Please meet with an adviser in International Student and Scholar Services before making applications or seeking benefits.

Other individuals not affiliated with the University of Colorado at Boulder should seek assistance from immigration specialists. You may consider consulting with an attorney who belongs to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

Immigration Forms

You can check the USCIS website to download the forms that you need.

The SEVIS Fee

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a database to keep track of all F and J visa holders, called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). All schools that admit F1 students and J1 exchange visitors are required to use this database to issue forms and report certain events to DHS. DHS began collecting a SEVIS fee as of September 1, 2004, to cover the costs of running the SEVIS program. The SEVIS fee is currently $200 for F1 students and $180 for J1 exchange visitors.

This fee is charged to all F1 students or J1 Exchange Visitors whose form I-20 (for F students) or form DS2019 (for J exchange visitors) was issued on or after September 1, 2004 to begin a new program. The fee is generally not charged to those transferring from one program to another. Family members accompanying the principal F1 students as an F2 spouse, or accompanying the Exchange Visitor and entering as J2 dependents are not required to pay this fee. For more information, please go to our SEVIS Fee page http://www.colorado.edu/oie/isss/sevisfee.html.

Immigration Information for Students

As you work toward your degree, you will be required to comply with various US government regulations. Most international students in the US will either be in F1 status or J1 status. The information presented is only a brief introduction, and cannot replace the advice and assistance of your international student adviser. Many individuals - students, professors, community members - will offer you information. However, before making a decision to change your course of study, transfer to another institution, travel outside the US, or accept employment, you should seek advice from our office. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to know and abide by the regulations. So, do yourself a favor: Get good advice.

Students in F1 Status (usually those who are personally sponsored)
Students in J1 Status (must have a sponsoring agency, e.g. government or institutional funding)

Immigration Information for Scholars

The University of Colorado can assist departments in bringing over visiting international scholars and researchers. Employing departments should be aware that a certain category may be more appropriate for a given visitor; for more information, see our Scholar Page.

Visiting scholars should come to the United States on appropriate visas. The USCIS will deny most applications for change of status for people who state one intention when they enter the United States and then immediately "develop" a different set of intentions.

The U.S. Congress recently passed legislation (November 1998) to allow the payment of expenses and honoraria to visiting scholars in "B" or visitor status, but that arrangement is for a single event or short series of events (master class/lecture/demonstration) and is limited to 9 days and the payment of an honorarium and expenses, not salary. At the time of this writing, the USCIS has not published regulations to put these new honorarium rules into effect. Until we have those regulations, a department that wishes to bring a visiting scholar to the University and pay that scholar an honorarium should use the J category. Check with the payroll office to see what their policy is during this interim period.

Please note that visitors from many European countries, as well as Japan, can enter the United States with no visa at all. These entries are "visitor" entries and CURRENTLY preclude payment of honoraria. Consult the Office of Compensation Services (payroll) for more information.

Be aware that the University assumes a responsibility of some magnitude in undertaking visa sponsorship for an international scholar. We must be certain that our sponsorship is extended for purposes which are consistent with the University's goals and programs and with the immigration laws. That responsibility rests with the departments and the individual faculty members who invite foreign scholars and request University sponsorship.

The different categories for bringing over a visiting scholar are: