Graduate Studies

Hosting a Visiting Scholar

WIU is currently unable to issue J visas. 

Please contact Dana Sistko, Immigration Specialist at (309) 298-1806 or DM-Sistko@wiu.edu if you have questions.

Required Document Checklist:

  • Visiting Scholar Information Form completed and signed by the department
  • Visiting Scholar Request Form completed by the scholar
  • Copy of the scholar’s current resume/vita
  • Copy of scholar’s biographical page from passport
  • Copies of all previously issued US visas
  • If bringing spouse/child, copies of each dependent’s biographical page from passport
  • Proof of adequate funding

The scholar will be emailed their DS-2019 along with other appropriate documents.


Arrival of a J-1 Scholar:
The scholar must check in with the Immigration Specialist within 30 days of the program start date.  The scholar will also meet with the School of Global Studies.  If the scholar is unable to arrive before their start date, this should be communicated to the Immigration Specialist and the start date can be deferred.

 

While the Scholar is Here:

  • Scholars must report any change of address to the Immigration Specialist within 5 days.
  • Scholars must also report any life event that may affect their immigration status such as birth of a child, marriage, change of legal name, divorce or death. This rule also extends to J-2 dependents.
  • Scholars must see the Immigration Specialist to sign their DS-2019 for travel authorization. Signatures are valid for 6 months.
  • Scholars are required to have an appropriate amount of medical insurance and coverage for repatriation of remains while they are here.  Information on amounts required is provided to the scholar in the packet with the DS-2019. 


Departure of the Scholar:
Scholars should contact the Immigration Specialist to confirm their departure date from the University.  This is required and is reported in SEVIS. It could be the end date on the DS-2019 or it could be an earlier date, but cannot be past the listed end date.  


Extension of Stay:
Request for extension must be made by the host department by contacting the Immigration Specialist in writing (email is sufficient) at least 30 days prior to the program end date listed on the DS-2019 to ensure a smooth transition.  If the end date lapses then no extension is possible. The scholar must leave the U.S.