Scholars and Interns

Welcome!

If you are interested in a temporary research or teaching appointment at Cal Poly, please contact the academic department at Cal Poly associated with your field. The department will initiate the invitation process through the appropriate Dean’s office. You may find academic departments listed under the A-Z search on the main Cal Poly website or you may contact the Cal Poly Department offices.
 

The International Center is here to assist you with the visa process once you have been offered a position on campus.

First Step

• Ask your Cal Poly faculty contact or internship supervisor to contact us to request an International Visitor Sponsorship Request Form. 

• This form will be routed to you and to your hosting department for recommendation

• Once sponsorship is recommended the International Center will send you a link to submit a form to collect information we will need to issue your visa eligibility documents

• Review eligibility requirements for DS-2019 issuance

If you have questions or need assistance, please email intlservices@calpoly.edu. 

Apply for your Visa

Follow instructions on applying for a J-1 Visa
 

Prepare for Arrival

• Review the Information for Visiting Scholars page for lots of information about what to expect about your Cal Poly experience

• Read the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Welcome Brochure

• After you have your J-1 visa, purchase health insurance that meets the criteria for J-1 visa holders

  • ​Health insurance must be in place by the program start date and be valid until the program end date for both J-1 and J-2 visa holders

• Arrange for housing. Rental housing is in high demand in San Luis Obispo and can be quite expensive so begin your search early.

• Graduate students and Student Interns: Check out our International Welcome Ambassador Program. If you would like to sign up to get help from a Cal Poly International Welcome Ambassador, please submit this participation form.

Travel to the USA

• Read Instructions about Entering the USA

• Read about Travel and Temporary Accommodations

Upon Arrival

Once you have arrived at Cal Poly:

• Obtain a U.S. telephone number. This is required for SEVIS validation

• Submit the J-1 Scholar and Intern Check-In Form 

•  Edit your profile with your SLO area address as your SEVIS U.S. Address 

• Email intlservices@calpoly.edu to schedule a check-in appointment

• If you will be paid by Cal Poly, you will need a Social Security Card

Income Tax and Form 8843

J-1 visa holders are required to submit an IRS Form 8843 each year at tax time, regardless of whether any income was earned. If you were paid by Cal Poly you will also need to submit a tax return. See the Income Tax web page for information and forms.

Extending your stay?

• Ask your Dean's office to write a letter of extension and send it to intlservices@calpoly.edu

• Submit the Exchange Visitor Program Extension Request Form

Travel after arrival

• See our Travel While on a J-1 Visa page 

Departure

Please notify International Students and Scholars staff if:

• You will depart more than 30 days prior to your end date or if

• Your J-2 dependents leave before the end date on the DS-2019