The information on this page provides an overview of the initial steps required of scholars who are not currently in the U.S. and need a U.S. visa to enter. Regardless of which visa category you may be using, OISS will process requests as soon as we have received all necessary information from you and your host department.
Preliminary Steps
The first step in getting your visa to come to the U.S. is for your Yale host department to notify OISS by submitting information about your Yale appointment title, academic credentials, funding support and other details.
OISS reviews the request and will contact you for additional information and documentation. The appropriate visa category for your appointment at Yale will be determined by OISS in consultation with you and your host department.
You will be asked to provide information and upload documents for any dependents that will be joining you during your appointment at Yale.
For scholars using the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa, OISS will issue a visa document (form DS-2019) that you will use to use to schedule a visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Upon receiving this document review it to confirm all the information is correct. If anything is incorrect or missing, please contact your OISS adviser.
If you are seeking an H-1B you will work with your OISS adviser on the preparation and submission to USCIS of your H-1B Petition.
Scholars joining Yale using their F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permission may already have their own immigration status and work permission.
Special Note For Canadians:Next Steps
Follow the instructions below depending on your visa type.
