Visas

Types of Visas
There are many non-immigrant visa classifications. The categories most frequently used to permit an international scholar to be appointed at Harvard are the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa and the H-1B Temporary Worker visa. The HIO advisor will determine the most appropriate visa to use for each individual scholar. The type of visa chosen depends on many factors: the source and amount of the scholar's salary or funding, the nature and duration of the appointment, how soon the appointment will begin, whether the individual is currently in the United States or has recently been in the United States and is therefore subject to certain restrictions. The scholar must not plan to enter the United States without the appropriate visa documents processed by the HIO.

Visa Stamps
Visa stamps, a full page sticker placed in the individual's passport, are issued by U.S. embassies or consulates outside the United States and are used only to seek entry and re-entry to the United States in a particular immigration category. The visa stamp does not determine how long a scholar may remain in the United States. A visa stamp has an expiration date and may be valid for one, two, or multiple entries. Once inside the United States, it is not necessary to renew the visa stamp in the passport in order to remain in the United States. Should the scholar and family members plan to travel outside the United States after their visa stamps have expired, they will need to obtain new visa stamps in order to return to the United States.

Usually, scholars apply for visa stamps in their home countries. It is possible to apply for a visa stamp at any U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, however, scholars may find that a consular official in a country other than their countries of citizenship may not issue the visa and may require that scholars return to their home countries for visa issuance. Scholars should consult with their HIO advisors prior to making travel plans.

Visa Status
Upon entry to the United States, a scholar will be issued a Form I-94, which is a small white card that indicates the scholar's visa status and the length of the authorized stay. H-1B, TN, O-1 visa holders will see an actual expiration date on their Forms I-94, while J and F visa holders should see the notation "D/S" ("duration of status") on their Forms I-94. To maintain visa status, scholars must continue to pursue the intended academic activity at Harvard University or its affiliated hospitals.