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 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
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
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
- If an international visitor at RPI will not need RCS access, a B-1/B-2 visa or a visit through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may be appropriate. To determine if the intended visit is suitable for a B-1/ B-2 visa or with an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), please read ISSS’ Other Visas webpage.
- For visitors that will require RCS access while at RPI, the department should request a DS-2019 for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. For assistance to determine the most appropriate visa category for the intended visit, please contact ISSS’ Exchange Visitor Specialist, Michael Holderreed at holdem@rpi.edu.
- All international visitors coming to RPI must be approved by RPI’s Office of Export Control prior to the visit regardless of the visitor’s visa category or status in the United States.
- For visits to RPI that do not require a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, the inviting department must submit the appropriate webform to ISSS followed by any required documentation. ISSS will then send this information to Export Control for review.
Use the appropriate form depending on the nature and length of visit:
- Short-Term International Visitor Webform: For international visitors coming to RPI for less than 48 hours
- International Business Visitor Webform: For international visitors coming to RPI for 48 hours or more
- After the International Business Visitor Webform is submitted, email Exchange Visitor Specialist Michael Holderreed at holdem@rpi.edu with these documents:
- A copy of the visitor's passport
- A copy of the visitor's CV/resume
- For visitors outside of the U.S., a copy of the visitor's visa (once available)
- For visitors currently in the U.S., proof of status in the U.S.
- A copy of RPI's invitation letter to the international visitor
- After the International Business Visitor Webform is submitted, email Exchange Visitor Specialist Michael Holderreed at holdem@rpi.edu with these documents:
- 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:
Hiring
If a department intends to hire a graduating student in a postdoctoral position, there are two potential options. Contact ISSS to explore these options.
Postdoctoral Position Options
- F-1 students are eligible for Optional Practical Training; or
- The position may be appropriate for a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa.
