Requesting J-1 Visiting Scholar Status

International scholars may be invited by Babson College to engage in temporary academic activities such as research and teaching at Babson College in J-1 Exchange Visitor status for up to five years.

In order to host an international visiting scholar in J-1 immigration status, the Babson host department must ensure that the prospective visiting scholar has:

• English language proficiency, academic credentials (at least a bachelor's degree), and relevant professional experience to conduct the activities for which s/he has been invited
• Adequate financial resources to support her/himself for the duration of the appointment
• Health insurance coverage which satisfies the U.S. Department of State mandate

The Glavin Office of Multicultural & International Education (Glavin Office) will issue Form DS-2019 and assist the visiting scholar with the visa application process and any other immigration-related issues.

Process for a Visiting Scholar to join Babson in J-1 Status

1. Babson Host Department

• DEPARTMENT confirms with H.R. and Dean of the Faculty that all internal procedures have been satisfied before issuing an invitation letter.

• DEPARTMENT provides Glavin Office with J-1 Visiting Scholar invitation letter (pdf) including the following:

• Specific program start and end date (start date cannot be altered once Form DS-2019 is issued)

• Description of the visitor’s primary activities (i.e. teaching, research, observation)

• Exact compensation in U.S. dollars (if any) which will be provided to the visiting scholar. If no compensation will be provided, this should be clearly stated.  

• DEPARTMENT makes request to the Glavin Office.

• Submit Department Request for a J-1 Visiting Scholar »

2. Glavin Office 

• Within two business days of receiving approval from both the host department chair and Dean of Faculty, the GLAVIN OFFICE will email instructions directly to the scholar.

3. Visiting Scholar

• SCHOLAR gathers the following documentation (in electronic format):
• Passport identification page(s)
• Evidence of funding » to support your stay in the U.S. (estimate $2000 per month plus more for dependent family member(s) » joining you in J-2 status)

• If applicable:

• Most recent entry stamp in passport and entry visa (if currently in the U.S.)
• Previously issued Form DS-2019(s) and J-1/J-2 entry visa stamp(s)
• Passport identification page(s) for any dependent family members(s)

• SCHOLAR requests a Form DS-2019 from the Glavin Office.

• Click here to request a Form DS-2019 »

4. Glavin Office 

• Within three business days, GLAVIN OFFICE will mail the visiting scholar:
• Form DS-2019 (certificate of eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor status)
• J-1 Visiting Scholar invitation letter (if original not yet sent by the department)
• Additional instructions for securing a J-1 entry visa

5. Visiting Scholar

• SCHOLAR uses Form DS-2019 to pay the SEVIS fee and schedules a J-1 visa interview

• SCHOLAR obtains mandatory health insurance coverage »

• SCHOLAR receives J-1 visa and travels to the U.S. (no earlier than 30 days prior to the Form DS-2019 start date)

• SCHOLAR requests entry in J-1 status at U.S. border by presenting: 

• original immigration documents (passport, J-1 visa, Form DS-2019, SEVIS fee receipt)

• Visiting Scholar invitation letter

• Evidence of funding

Note:  If planning to arrive to the U.S. after the start date on Form DS-2019, SCHOLAR must notify the Glavin Office immediately as an amended Form DS-2019 may be required

• SCHOLAR checks-in with the Glavin Office (Hollister Hall, Suite 220) upon arrival to the U.S.

• Scholar must bring all original immigration documents and evidence of mandatory health insurance coverage »

• Scholar must attend a mandatory orientation session with the Glavin Office