As a J-1 Scholar (professor, researcher, short-term scholar or specialist), your employment in the United States is limited to the activity and location described on your DS-2019 form.
Use this request to receive permission to engage in paid or unpaid opportunities and engagements beyond what is listed on your DS-2019, such as the occasional lecture or short-term consultation.
About This Request
When This Permission is Required
Scholars should not accept any new opportunities, either paid or unpaid, beyond what is listed on your DS-2019 without first checking with their OISS adviser. This includes any kind of compensation (money, gift cards, etc.) for services, including clinical trials, guest lectures and in some cases earnings from editorial work or royalties from publications.
When to Make This Request
It is the scholar’s responsibility to secure authorization before the start of the proposed activity and provide the authorization letter to the host organization or institution if requested.
Activity Requirements
Per 22 CFR 62.20(g)(1), J-1 scholars are permitted to engage in occasional lectures and consultations at outside locations with the prior approval of their J-1 sponsor. The proposed activity must:
- Be directly related to the objectives of your J-1 program at Yale
- Be incidental to your primary program activity at Yale
- Not delay the completion of your J-1 program
- You must be employed as an independent contractor as defined by 8 C.F.R. § 274a.1(j)
How to Make This Request
If Yale is your J-1 sponsor, you must complete the J-1 Incidental Activities Request as described in the following sections in order to receive written permission before the proposed activity start date.
If your J-1 sponsor is an external agency or organization, you will need permission from this organization, and cannot use the following method to make this request.
1. Complete the required documents listed below
- Download and complete the J-1 Occasional Lecture/Short Term Consultation Application Form. This form includes information about:
- The scholar, including their SEVIS number.
- The institution hosting the incidental activity.
- The supervisor's recommendation, specifically how the proposed activity will benefit the scholar.
2. Offer or invitation letter from host institution on letterhead or email that includes:
- Details of the lecture or consulation
- Dates of engagement
- Compensation amount (if any)
- Address of where engagement will take place
2. Submit the Form in MyOISS
Next Steps after Submitting this Request
Your request should be processed within 5-10 business days. Once your request has been approved by OISS and entered into SEVIS, you will receive an email notification. If you need a Social Security Number, follow these steps.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about completing this request, please email your OISS Adviser.
