This section is designed to help RPI departments support international students and scholars, understand immigration-related processes, and navigate requirements managed by International Services for Students and Scholars (ISSS).
Stay Informed:
- Sign up for Campus Partners – A bi-monthly update from ISSS for faculty and staff.
- Sign up for ISSS Insights – A bi-weekly newsletter sent to international students that faculty/staff may also find helpful.
J-1 Exchange Visitors
The most common types of J-1 Exchange Visitors at RPI are Short-Term Scholars and Research Scholars. These individuals may be paid or unpaid but must enter on a J-1 visa if they are receiving any payment from RPI (they are not eligible for a B visa).
J-1 Categories at RPI:
- J-1 Short-Term Scholar – Stay up to 6 months
- J-1 Professor/Research Scholar – Stay up to 5 years
- J-1 Student Intern – Undergraduate students enrolled at a non-U.S. institution participating in an internship related to their degree
Financial Documentation Requirements
Prospective J-1 scholars must provide proof of financial support for the entire length of their appointment. All documentation is subject to review and change.
Minimum Funding Amounts:
- Individual Scholar: $1,700/month or $20,400/year
- Dependents:
- First dependent: $700/month ($8,400/year)
- Each additional dependent: $500/month ($6,000/year)
ISSS will convert non-USD amounts into USD equivalents.
Document Requirements:
- Scanned documents are acceptable (originals may be requested)
- Dated within the past 6 months
- Must clearly state the funding amount in English
Examples of Acceptable Documents:
- Personal bank statements
- Award letters for scholarships or grants
- Official funding letter from the scholar’s home institution
- Funding letter from RPI
Forms for Departments:
Hiring International Graduating Students
If your department intends to hire an international student after graduation (e.g., in a postdoctoral role), there are two potential visa options:
- F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- J-1 Exchange Visitor visa
Contact ISSS for guidance on which option may be appropriate.
Other Visa Types and Visitors
Some visitors come to RPI on other visa types, such as B-1/B-2 or under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). All international visitors must be reviewed through Export Control, and approval must be obtained in advance.
Approval Process:
- The inviting department submits documentation to ISSS.
- ISSS coordinates review with Export Control (this may take 4+ weeks).
- ISSS will notify the department when a determination is made.
- All visitors must check in with ISSS within one week of arriving in the U.S.
Questions? Email: ISSSoffice@rpi.edu
Short-Term & Business Visitors
Use the appropriate form depending on the nature and length of visit:
- Short-Term International Visitor Webform
For non-research visits under 48 hours - International Business Visitor Webform
For visitors staying longer than 48 hours engaging in activities aligned with their visa type
B-1/B-2 and Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
- B-1/B-2 visas are limited to very specific activities
- Individuals on B-1/B-2 or ESTA cannot receive financial payment
Learn more:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – B Visas
- U.S. Department of State – Visa Info
- ESTA – Electronic System for Travel Authorization
Hiring for Permanent or Long-Term Roles
If your department plans to hire an international scholar for a long-term or permanent position (beyond five years), the individual will likely need a different visa type. Options include:
- H-1B Visa – Up to 6 years (Contact Human Resources)
- TN Visa – For Canadian and Mexican citizens only (1-year, renewable annually)
