Scholar Visas
Expanded Screening of Visa Applicants
Under new guidance, the Department of State will conduct of all student and exchange visitor applicants, including reviewing online presence. Visa applicants will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to “public.”
- All F, M, or J visa applicants (new or renewal/returning) who are “otherwise eligible,” will initially be refused a visa under INA section 221(g) and referred for further review.
- This does not mean a visa application will necessarily be denied but it is likely that the processing time will be extended to accommodate the additional vetting.
Change in Deptartment of State policy: Visa interviews required
The a change in the interview waiver policy for visa applicant effective September 2, 2025. The updated guidance ends waivers of the visa interviews for most visa applicants.
- In-person interviews will be required for the majority of visa categories (including F-1, H-1B, J-1, and O-1).
- Interviews will be required for both new applicants andٳDz applying to renew their visas.
Prospective scholars (researchers, lecturers, student interns) must work directly with a university department/unit to determine sponsorship opportunities. If a department/unit is interested in sponsoring an international scholar, the department will contact ISSS directly to initiate visa sponsorship. Please do not contact ISSS directly.
Scholar Visas for Working at CU 51ý
Student-Status Related Visas
- Student (F-1 status) on post-completion OPT
- Student (F-1 status) on STEM extension of OPT (University of Colorado 51ý is an e-verify employer)
- Student (J-1 status) eligible for Academic Training
University-Sponsored Scholar Visas
Below is a list of visa types the university commonly uses to sponsor visiting scholars.
- Exchange Visitor (J-1 Status)
- Nonimmigrant status
- Appropriate for temporary employment (up to five years, depending on J category)
- Temporary Worker- Speciality Occupation (H-1B Status)
- Nonimmigrant status
- Appropriate for temporary long-term employment (up to six years), or possibly permanent appointments
- Temporary Worker- Certain Speciality Occupation Professionals from Australia (E-3 Status)
- Nonimmigrant status
- Appropriate for temporary employment
- Green Card (Permanent Residency
- For permanent employment
Additional Visa Options
- Additional visa options including O, TN, B, WB.
Honorarium Payments
Foreign nationals in B-1, B-2, VWB, and VWT status may accept an honorarium and/or reimbursement of travel expenses under the following conditions:
- For a single academic activity or short series academic activities" (e.g., lecturing, teaching, and sharing of knowledge or performance)
- 9 days or less at CU 51ý
- The individual has accepted such payment from no more than 5 educational or research institutions (including the UW)
- In the previous six-month period.
Contact the for further information about payment and tax implications.