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 Rensselaer

Department Forms for Exchange Visitors

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

There are also visitors on other visa types, such as B-1/B-2 and Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). All individuals must be approved through Export Control.

Other Visa Types Process

To become approved, individuals work with their inviting department to submit documentation to ISSS. ISSS submits documentation to Export Control, which is a process that can take over one month to be completed. ISSS is notified when Export Control makes a determination regarding the scholar and then notifies the department.

Within one week of entry to the U.S., the visitor must check in with ISSS. For more instructions on this process, please email ISSS at ISSSoffice@rpi.edu.

• For departments who wish to bring a foreign visitor who will be here for less than 48 hours performing non-research activities, click here to submit the Short-Term International Visitor webform.
• For departments who wish to bring a foreign visitor who will be here for more than 48 hours and will be meeting with faculty or taking actions in line with their current visa status (may be B-1/B-2, ESTA, or WT), click here to submit the International Business Visitor webform.

B-1/B-2 Visitor - General Information

Please note: The B-1/B-2 visa is only appropriate for very specific activities. For more information on the B-1/B-2 visa visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and  U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Only visitors who would otherwise apply for B visas are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). For details, visit:

• U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs
• Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ETSA)

Individuals on B-1/B-2 or ESTA are not eligible to receive financial remuneration.