The most common type of Exchange Visitor at RPI is short-term scholar or research scholar.

J-1 visas are available for temporary exchange visitors (scholars) conducting research or collaborating with RPI faculty. J-1 exchange visitors may be paid or unpaid, but any temporary paid exchange visitors must come on a J-1 visa (i.e. are not eligible for a B visa). There are three types of J-1 scholars at RPI:

• J-1 Short-Term Scholar (six months maximum)
• J-1 Professor/Research Scholar (five years maximum)
• J-1 Student Interns (individuals who are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree outside of the United States who will be partaking in an internship directly related to this degree)

J-1 Financial Support Documentation Requirements

Below are some guidelines for how prospective visiting scholars should submit proof of finances. Please be aware that this is for brief reference only and information is subject to change. The requirements are subject to change and scholar’s support is evaluated individually.

Amount Required

• Scholars must be able to demonstrate a minimum financial support of $1,700 USD per month, or $20,400 USD annually, for the entirety of their appointments. Our office will convert any funding not in USD to USD equivalent amounts.
• Dependents: If a scholar is bringing a spouse or child as a dependent, he/she must demonstrate an additional $8,400 USD annually (or $700 USD per month) for the first dependent and $6,000 USD annually (or $500 USD per month) per each additional dependent.

Documentation Requirements

• Scanned documents are acceptable (ISSS reserves the right to request an original document).
• Financial documents must be dated within the past six months.
• Documents should clearly state, in English, the amount of funding.

Examples of Acceptable Funding

• Below are some of the most frequently used forms of funding. This list is not exhaustive and other sources of funding may be acceptable upon review:
  • Personal bank statement(s)
  • Scholarship or grant award letter, clearly stating amount
  • Letter proving continued funding from scholar’s home institution
  • Letter of funding from RPI

Department Forms for Exchange Visitors

• DS-2019 Request Form
• J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) DS-2019 Extension Request

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

1. F-1 students are eligible for Optional Practical Training; or
2. The position may be appropriate for a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa.

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.

Please note that 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. 

For international visitors coming to RPI for less than 48 hours, please submit the Short-term Visitors Webform. 

• In addition to submitting the webform, it is highly encouraged to provide a copy of the visitor’s current CV/resume. To submit a CV/resume, please email ISSS’ Exchange Visitor Specialist, Michael Holderreed at holdem@rpi.edu. This information will then be shared with Export Control along with the webform. 

For international visitors coming to RPI for 48 hours or more, please submit the International Business Visitor Webform. Following the submission of the webform, please email ISSS’ Exchange Visitor Specialist, Michael Holderreed at holdem@rpi.edu with the following required documentation:

• 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

If a department intends to hire an Exchange Visitor for longer than five years or for a permanent position, it is recommended that the EV obtain one of the following visas:

• H-1B visa (6 years maximum, contact Human Resources)
• TN visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens only. (One year, renewable annually)