When hosting an international scholar at GVSU, it is important to choose the correct visa. There are three commonly used visas, only one of which the scholar will need. Please contact us to inquire which will be the best fit. In very general terms, the visa options are as follows:

J-1 Visa

Exchange visitors travel to the United States through a Department of State approved sponsor program to teach, study, receive training or demonstrate special skills. GVSU is authorized to host 2 categories of J-1 Scholars. 

B-1/B-2 Visa

The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is best for very short visits (1-2 months or less) and for individuals coming from a country that can easily be approved for this type.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B* employment visa is the best for incoming employees who will be paid salaries commensurate with US faculty pay scales. *If a scholar visits using this visa, then they must go through Human Resources at GVSU.

General Rules

General rules for choosing the correct category:

• If you are sure that the scholar will be staying at GVSU for six months or less, the Short Term Scholar category is best.
• If the scholar will be here more than six months, or if there is a good chance of an extension that would push the visit beyond six months, the Professor category is best. 

Professor

A professor is defined as: an individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at post-secondary accredited educational institutions, museums, libraries, or similar types of institutions. A professor may also conduct research, unless disallowed by the sponsor.

Short Term Scholar

A short-term scholar is defined as: a professor, research scholar, specialist, or a person with similar education or accomplishments coming to the United States on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited educational institutions, or similar types of institutions.