Inviting an international faculty member to teach at IUP as a visiting professor is not difficult, but requires coordination and communication among several offices:

  • College dean
  • Department chair
  • Advisor in Office of International Education
  • Human Resources

After discussion with the above offices, the following documents must be submitted to the Office of International Education in a timely manner for the proper invitation packet to be created and sent via airmail.

  • Original invitation letter from college dean
  • Original invitation letter from department chair
  • Completed DS-2019 Application Form (visiting professor must complete)
  • Dependent information, if applicable
  • Proof of additional financial support
  • Evidence of English language proficiency 
  • Appointment authorization and/or contract from Human Resources

With regard to immigration, visiting professors are sponsored by IUP with a DS-2019, which enables the visiting professor to apply for a J-1 visa at the closest American embassy and/or consulate in his/her home country. This process can take weeks, and, unfortunately, IUP cannot guarantee that visiting professors will obtain the J-1 visa.

Before the visa application, the visiting professor will have to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. The I-901 SEVIS payment must be completed a minimum of 72 hours before the visa appointment. IUP does not pay for either the SEVIS fee or visa application fee.

Please note that all J-1 visa holders and J-2 dependents must have appropriate health insurance as required by the Department of State. A brochure and Office of International Education invitation letter outlining the minimum requirements will be sent to the visiting professor.

Departments commit to providing space on campus for the scholar to work on research. With J1 status, a physical presence requirement is assumed. Department of State expects that visiting scholars will be on campus (or other site of activity approved by OIE) three to five days a week to engage in program activities as outlined on the DS-2019.