Click on the questions to see answers

1. What type of visa should I pursue? If I receive a fellowship, does it affect the visa type?

With or without a fellowship, you will most likely need to apply for a J-1 (or 'visiting scholar') visa.

Unfortunately, it is now too late to obtain a student J1 visa prior to the start of the Institute. If you are an international student and still plan to attend the Institute, you must pursue the alternative option of attending as an affiliate and obtaining a B1 visa (or enter on visa waiver for participating countries).

There are, however, exceptions, including exceptions for students who are already studying in the United States on a separate visa. Please contact for more information if you believe that you may fall under special circumstances.

2. What paperwork is necessary? How do I begin this process?

You will need the DS-2019 form. A summary version of this form is available from Cindy Rostiac, . Once you fill out your information, send it back to Cindy. She will then send it to The University of Colorado's International Education office to be reviewed and processed. Once we complete this step, your information will be sent back to you to complete the visa process.

3. Why can't I come to the Institute on a B-1 visa?

Since you will be obtaining credit for the courses you attend, you are viewed as a visiting scholar and will accordingly need a J-1 visa. As mentioned in question 1, however, some exceptions may apply. Please contact Cindy at , if you believe you fall under special circumstances.

4. Can I come on a B-1 visa if I don't obtain credit for the classes?

If you are registering as an Affiliate for the Institute and do not plan to obtain credit for your work, you can come using a B-1 visa, since the courses will be viewed as avocational or recreational. This option, however, is only open to those who are not currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate degree program and do not intend to enter a degree program in the fall of 2011.

5. I am an international student studying at a university in the United States. I am currently here on a J-1 visa
but it runs out at the end of the school term 2011. How do I pursue an extension?

Please contact:

     Janet Garcia
     Associate Director and International Student and Scholar Specialist,
     International Student and Scholar Services
     Office of International Education
     The University of Colorado at Boulder
     Boulder, CO 80309
     U.S.A.

     
     +1 303 492 7604

The office will work with you and your home institution directly to make sure that the proper paperwork is filled out and approved for your stay during the Institute.

6. What is the SEVIS compliance fee?

There is a mandatory $22 SEVIS compliance fee charged to international students. J-1 and F-1 holders will be charged this fee. SEVIS (the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a database used by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to keep track of all F and J status and visa holders. All schools that admit F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors are required to use this database to issue forms and report certain events to DHS. Please note that the SEVIS compliance fee is not to be confused with the one-time SEVIS (I-109) fee. Canadian citizens are responsible for this fee if they hold J-1 or F-1 status (even with the visa exemption).

7. Is the SEVIS compliance fee different from the SEVIS fee paid with the Form I-901?

Yes. The SEVIS fee of $180 is for J-1 application required by the US Department of Homeland Security and paid before your interview with the US Embassy or Consulate. SEVIS compliance fee is charged by the International Student and Scholar Services for reasons described in question 6.

8. What is the $125 mandatory processing fee?

Students who are obtaining a J-1 visa to attend the Institute will be charged a mandatory processing fee of $125. This fee is charged by the International Student and Scholar Services to process your visa application. Canadian citizens are responsible for this fee if they are acquiring J-1 status for the Institute (even with the visa exemption).