International Scholars

Payment Authorizations

J-1 Visiting Scholars (Professors, Research Scholars and Short-Term Scholars) are occasionally asked to make presentations or consult with other organizations during their stay in the U.S. This type of educational and cultural exchange is supported by the J-1 Exchange Program.

Authorization may be given for occasional lectures, consultations, seminars or other activities directly related to the scholar’s exchange program. The activity must be incidental to the scholar’s primary teaching or research, and cannot delay the planned completion of the exchange program.

Visiting Scholars are only allowed to receive payment as specifically noted on their form DS-2019 unless given written permission before the activity and accepting payment. This includes any kind of compensation or payment, such as honorariums, stipends or reimbursement of expenses. Payments may only be made to the scholar as an independent contractor (no employee status).

To apply for authorization:

  1. Contact ISSS at jscholar@pdx.edu and ask for a Payment Authorization Request Form
  2. Copy of I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (available at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home, "Get I-94")
  3. Obtain a recommendation from your PSU host faculty member or department chair (see request form)
  4. Obtain a letter from each host institution making payment that sets forth the terms and conditions of the activity including:
    • Name of institution or organization making payment
    • Location and address of the proposed activity
    • Dates and hours per week for the proposed activity
    • Description of the activity
    • Amount of salary, honorarium, reimbursement or other compensation
    • Name, phone and email of contact person at host institution/employer

Please submit your request to ISSS at least one week before your planned activity. You must complete the request and receive your authorization letter before you begin the activity and receive payment.

If you have questions about a potential activity or an authorization request, please contact ISSS to make an appointment with an International Scholar Adviser.