Hosting International Scholars at CSUSB

To begin the process, please follow the steps below:

1. Review the J-1 Exchange Visitor Process Guide
   This document outlines requirements, timelines, and responsibilities for hosting a scholar.

   Process Guide

2. Confirm Departmental Support
   • Identify a faculty mentor
   • Obtain approval from your Department Chair and College Dean
3. Contact ISSS to Initiate the Application
   Email ISSS with:
   • Full name of the prospective visiting scholar
   • Scholar’s email address

Once received, ISSS will initiate the J-1 Visiting Scholar Application workflow and guide both the faculty host and scholar through the process.

Individuals who are interested in coming to CSUSB as a J-1 Visiting Scholar but do not yet have a faculty host may submit an inquiry for consideration.

To be considered, please email the following materials:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Brief description of your proposed research or academic activities
• Preferred academic department or field of study

Submissions will be reviewed by CEGE in coordination with relevant academic departments to determine whether a suitable faculty mentor is available.

Please note:

• Placement is not guaranteed
• Availability depends on faculty interest, departmental capacity, and alignment with CSUSB academic programs

If a potential faculty host is identified, you will be contacted with next steps to begin the J-1 Visiting Scholar application process.

To qualify for J-1 sponsorship, visiting scholars must meet the following general requirements:

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to conduct research and live in the U.S.
• Provide proof of financial support for the duration of the program
• Participate in activities consistent with the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program

During the application process, scholars will be required to submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Research proposal or statement of activities
• Passport biographic page
• Prior immigration documents (if applicable)
• Proof of funding
• English language verification

ISSS will review all materials to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

As required by J-1 visa regulation, all visiting scholar need to provide evidence that his/her English skills are sufficient to live and conduct research in the United States. One of the following English language verification options:

• OPTION 1. Evidence of citizenship of a country whose official language is English.
• OPTION 2. A degree from a postsecondary institution whose language of instruction is English (If outside the U.S, please add a letter from the registrar that the official language is taught in English.)
• OPTION 3. Evidence of having obtained the minimum required scores on a recognized English language test: TOEFL of 61 iBT/500 paper based; equivalent, TOEIC, IELTS, CEFR or ITEP score; or CET 6. Only test scores from within the past five years will be considered.
• OPTION 4. In-Person or Online interview with CSUSB sponsoring department by the faculty mentor.
• OPTION 5. Interview with an English professor of a university who present written comments. 

Faculty hosts play a critical role in the success of the exchange program. Responsibilities include:

• Serving as the primary academic contact for the visiting scholar
• Assisting with onboarding and integration into the department
• Communicating expectations regarding research, teaching, or collaboration
• Providing general guidance on campus and community resources

Faculty hosts should be prepared to support the scholar throughout their stay, in coordination with CEGE and ISSS.

Academic units may sponsor J-1 scholars in the capacities of visiting professors, research scholars, or short-term scholars. Sponsoring international scholars does not mean the department is responsible for financially supporting the scholar; however, in some instances, they may provide a stipend for teaching a class or for providing the unit with a particular service (e.g. collaborative research).

Every visiting scholar should secure a letter of invitation from a sponsoring academic unit. The letter must come from the chair or dean, stating the intention to host the scholar in the department. Connections to academic departments usually come through CSUSB faculty or via an established MOU.

Academic departments seeking to sponsor a visiting scholar please contact CEGE Dean John Binkley and/or Associate Director (ISSS) Isaac Morales. 

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) manages all immigration-related aspects of the J-1 program, including:

• Initiating the application process
• Reviewing eligibility and required documentation
• Issuing the Form DS-2019
• Advising on visa and immigration requirements
• Maintaining SEVIS records and compliance reporting

Departments and faculty should not issue immigration-related documents independently.