Scholar Visas
Expanded Screening of Visa Applicants
Under new guidance, the Department of State will conduct expanded screening of all student and exchange visitor applicants, including reviewing online presence. Visa applicants will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to “public.”
- All F, M, or J visa applicants (new or renewal/returning) who are “otherwise eligible,” will initially be refused a visa under INA section 221(g) and referred for further review.
- This does not mean a visa application will necessarily be denied but it is likely that the processing time will be extended to accommodate the additional vetting.
Prospective scholars (researchers, lecturers, student interns) must work directly with a university department/unit to determine sponsorship opportunities. If a department/unit is interested in sponsoring an international scholar, the department will contact ISSS directly to initiate visa sponsorship. Please do not contact ISSS directly.
Scholar Visas for Working at CU Boulder
Student-Status Related Visas
- Student (F-1 status) on post-completion OPT
- Student (F-1 status) on STEM extension of OPT (University of Colorado Boulder is an e-verify employer)
- Student (J-1 status) eligible for Academic Training
University-Sponsored Scholar Visas
Below is a list of visa types the university commonly uses to sponsor visiting scholars.
- Exchange Visitor (J-1 Status)
- Nonimmigrant status
- Appropriate for temporary employment (up to five years, depending on J category)
- Temporary Worker- Speciality Occupation (H-1B Status)
- Nonimmigrant status
- Appropriate for temporary long-term employment (up to six years), or possibly permanent appointments
- Temporary Worker- Certain Speciality Occupation Professionals from Australia (E-3 Status)
- Nonimmigrant status
- Appropriate for temporary employment
- Green Card (Permanent Residency
- For permanent employment
Additional Visa Options
- Additional visa options including O, TN, B, WB.
Honorarium Payments
Foreign nationals in B-1, B-2, VWB, and VWT status may accept an honorarium and/or reimbursement of travel expenses under the following conditions:
- For a single academic activity or short series academic activities" (e.g., lecturing, teaching, and sharing of knowledge or performance)
- 9 days or less at CU Boulder
- The individual has accepted such payment from no more than 5 educational or research institutions (including the UW)
- In the previous six-month period.
Contact the International Tax Office for further information about payment and tax implications.
Travel Resources
- Travel Handout: Re-Entry from Travel Outside the U.S.
- Renewing Your Visa
- Automatic Visa Revalidation
- Printing a Copy of Your I-94 & Obtaining an I-94 Correction
Websites
- U.S. Entry Restrictions
- COVID-19 Related Guidance from Embassies
- COVID-19 Travel Restrictions & Exceptions
- National Interest Exemptions
- Phased Resumption of Visa Services
- U.S. Embassies and Consulates
- Preparing for your Visa Appointment
- Visa Wait Times
- Administrative Processing
- Visa Denials
- Arriving in the U.S.
- PP 10043: Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Students and Researchers From the People's Republic of China