Additional Sites of Activity/Occasional Lectures or Short-Term Consultations

J-1 Exchange Visitors (EV) in the Research Scholar, Short-term Scholar and Professor categories are authorized to engage in their J-1 program objectives, as listed in their offer/invitation letter issued by the Division of Human Resources, on the Stevens’ Hoboken campus. The Stevens’ Hoboken campus is designated as the “Site of Activity” on all DS-2019s, and, with limited exceptions, is the only location at which a Stevens’ sponsored EV is permitted to conduct their activities.

However, it sometimes becomes necessary, or is recommended, that an EV conduct some of their activities at a location other than Stevens. Some common examples may include a scholar needing to conduct some of their work at a laboratory or research facility off-campus, or a professor being invited to speak at a conference. Any additional employment--either on Stevens’ campus or off--can only be done if authorized, in writing and in advance, by the ISSS office, and in extremely limited circumstances.

ISSS can authorize additional “sites of activity” for an EV, but must do so before any activities take place at off-campus locations. The immigration regulations allow for EVs in the Research Scholar, Short-term Scholar and Professor categories to participate in
“occasional lectures or short-term consultations” at off-campus sites if they are directly related to the EV’s program objectives, are incidental to the EV’s primary program activities, do not delay the completion date of the EV’s program, and are approved by ISSS and
documented in SEVIS prior to the start date of the activity. Any EV who thinks they may need additional sites of activity should contact ISSS at [email protected] at least two weeks prior to beginning any off-campus activities for further guidance.

Any payments received by the EV from Stevens as indicated in the offer/invitation letter received from the Division of Human Resources are also documented on the DS-2019 in the “Financial Information” section, as are any other sources of funding (personal, from the EV’s
home institution or government, the U.S. government, etc.) provided to ISSS with the initial application for sponsorship.

Any payment received for the approved “occasional lectures or short-term consultations” at off-campus sites can only be received if authorized, in writing and in advance, by the ISSS office.