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Cornell University

International Services

Office of Global Learning

Invite Visitors and Interns

Cornell departments and units bring a variety of international scholars and students—including visiting researchers and speakers, undergraduate research interns, and graduate and undergraduate nondegree students—to campus for short academic visits, typically under one year. 

This part of the website is designed to help you identify suitable pathways for appointing or hosting your short-term international visitors. If you're inviting a researcher for academic exchange, please begin by reviewing Scholar Visa Types. Unpaid visiting scholars on sabbatical are often sponsored as J-1 exchange visitors. 

Don't hesitate to contact us about your prospective visitor. We're happy to discuss your case and offer a preliminary recommendation based on current immigration policies and regulations. Be aware that you and faculty in your area must also abide by policies and procedures for international visitors required by your college or school, department, or unit.

Pathways for Visitors and Interns

B-1/B-2 Business and Tourist Visitors

B-1/B-2 visitor status best serves speakers, short-term independent researchers, and people planning short visits to one or several U.S. universities. Note that some Cornell colleges or departments may have policies that preclude this choice for liability reasons.

Pluses and Minuses for B-1/B-2 Visitors

  • Can be reimbursed for expenses (travel, food, lodging)—but be careful about recording exactly what is being reimbursed. 
  • Must have accident and medical insurance.  
  • Will not qualify for university programs as visitor. 
  • Cannot be paid to work on campus, with the exception of B-1s at Cornell for nine days or less.
  • Might not meet university requirements for volunteers. Generally, if a person is not allowed to work in the United States due to a visa restriction, then he or she is also prohibited from working as a university volunteer. 
  • Cannot register for classes at Cornell.
  • Might have trouble obtaining B-1/B-2 visa stamp at U.S. consulates or gaining entry to the U.S. as B-1/B-2 or visa waiver visitor to come to Cornell to do research. 

J-1 Research or Short-Term Scholars (PhD or graduate) 

The J-1 research scholar and short-term scholar categories are J-1 exchange visitor visas for those who will be given academic appointments or appointed as research interns.

The J-1 research scholar and short-term scholar categories are meant for people qualified to perform advanced teaching and research. Graduate students must be actively working toward a master's degree or PhD. 

Pluses and Minuses for J-1 Research or Short-Term Scholars  

  • Can work on campus up to 40 hours per week (paid or unpaid). 
  • Can be reimbursed for expenses (travel, food, and lodging). 
  • Must have an academic appointment. Interns may be appointed for no more than 12 months.
  • Must have a bachelor’s degree and be working on a master’s or higher degree. For some positions, a doctorate is required. 
  • Must have sufficient financial support.
  • Must have health insurance if temporary or part-time less than 20 hours (not benefits-eligible). 

J-1 Student Interns (undergraduate) 

The J-1 student intern program gives international students currently pursuing undergraduate degrees outside the United States the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their fields at Cornell. J-1 interns work alongside Cornell faculty members in internships that may extend up to 12 months. Carefully review the J-1 Student Interns page if you are considering this status for an intern. 

Pluses and Minuses for J-1 Student Interns 

  • May be paid or unpaid. To be employed, however, the student intern must receive approval from his or her home institution's dean or academic advisor. 
  • Must pay an administrative fee. 
  • Must complete a minimum of 32 hours per week of internship activity, with no more than 20 percent clerical work. 
  • Cannot displace American workers or fill a labor need. The internship must exist solely to assist the intern in achieving educational objectives and must consist of work-based learning, rather than ordinary employment or unskilled labor. 

F-1 Nondegree Students (graduate or undergraduate) 

Visit the Nondegree Students page for a range of nondegree pathways, including the International Research Internship Program (IRIP) managed by the School of Continuing Education. 

Nondegree students must obtain F-1 visa status, unless already in the United States in a status that allows enrollment. The visiting student cannot be in B-1/B-2 status.

Pluses and Minuses for F-1 Nondegree Students

  • Can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week (paid or unpaid). 
  • Can be reimbursed for travel expenses (travel, food, and lodging). 
  • Must be registered full-time at Cornell during all semesters, including summer.
  • Must pay tuition.  
  • Must pay for their own accident and medical insurance. 

Next Up: Business and Tourist Visitors