International Scholar Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an International Scholar and an International Visitor?

The Policy provides these definitions. International Scholars means individuals who are coming to UF on a J-1 visa sponsored by UF. This includes all J-1 visa applicants designated as Professor, Research Scholar, or Short-Term Scholars. International Scholars do not include undergraduate or graduate students.

International Visitors means individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, who do not meet the definition of International Scholars, and are coming to UF for a period of thirty (30) or more days. International Visitors do not include undergraduate or graduate students.

Is UF RISC approval required for a Letter of Invitation to an International Scholars and International Visitors?

Per the Policy, the Sponsoring Department may not move forward with extending an Invitation until it receives written approval from UF RISC through the International Scholars Review Portal. Draft Letters of Invitation may be included in a request for review through the UF RISC portal, however they should not be issued to an International Scholar or International Visitor prior to UF RISC review of the International Scholar or International Visitor.

What information do I need to submit to the International Scholars and International Visitors Review portal?

Needed Information:

First and Last name
Email
UF Sponsoring Department ID
Anticipated Visit Dates
Country of Citizenship
Country of Residency
Current Position Title and Institution/Entity
International Visitor Type (Short-Term Scholar, Research Scholar, etc.)
Funding Source and Description
Research Involvement
- Type of Research
- Supervisor UFID
- Research Project Numbers (UFIRST)
- Technology Control Plan for Supervisor
- UF Lab space
Complete CV (Must be in English)
Research Abstract/Description of Duties
Funding Document (if available)

For more information, please review these additional completion instructions and FAQs regarding the Portal.

What documents should I submit through the International Scholars and International Visitors Review portal?

– Submit –

– Don’t Submit –

Full CV
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a brief summary of a person’s career, qualifications, and education.
  - A CV should include all publications from post-secondary education
  - A CV should also include all professional appointments/engagements from post-secondary education.
  - Please verify the entirety of the CV is in English before submitting.
Sponsorship Documents and Source of Funding
- Examples include a Sponsorship Form, or local or government confirmation of scholarship (e.g., CAPES, HEC of Pakistan).
Description of UF activities
- Submitting departments should provide details of duties that the International Scholars will perform during the visit.
- If involved in research, please include details about the research, including the research funder, the scope of work, and potential deliverables.

Documents detailing protected personal information, including:
- Proof of Vaccination
- Social Security Number
- Personal Bank Statements
- Driver’s License

Is UF RISC approval required for a Letter of Intent to the International Scholars and International Visitors?

No, a Letter of Intent does not require UF RISC approval. You can submit the Letter of Intent to the potential International Scholar or International Visitor prior to submitting your request through the International Scholars and International Visitors portal, as the Letter of Intent will not need to be vetted by UF RISC prior to issuance to the International Scholar or International Visitor. A Letter of Intent is only signed by the Unit/Department/College Leadership and is not countersigned by the International Scholar or International Visitor. The letter must include language indicating that UF RISC approval is required prior to a formal Invitation Letter. An Approved template Letter of Intent is available here.

What happens after submission of a review request?

The submitting department will be provided with a case number to assist with tracking the visit review. UF RISC will review the request and submitted materials and make a determination. The submitting department will receive a written determination upon completion of the UF RISC review. This determination and all related communications will always reference the case number.

What if I have a question about my submission or forgot to submit pertinent information?

Please contact UF RISC at 352-392-9174 or international@research.ufl.edu and reference the case number.

When can a Letter of Invitation be issued?

Per the Policy, a Letter of Invitation may be issued only after the visit has been approved by UF RISC.

How far in advance can a J-1 International Scholar Visit review request be submitted?

A review request for a J-1 International Scholar can submitted through the International Scholar and International Visitors Portal no more than 6 months prior to start date. Additionally, approvals are only good for 6 months following the date of UF RISC Determination Notice.

How will I know when a request is approved?

UF RISC will notify the submitting department through email.

When would a new review be required for an International Scholar or International Visitor who is already at the University of Florida?

A new review is required for changes in scope of work, including assignment on TCP-related research, supervisor, and/or sources of non-UF funding. J-1 extensions with no additional changes do not require UF RISC approval. These reviews do not have to meet the thirty (30) day requirement.

If a postdoctoral associate is hired and subsequently needs a J-1 visa, will they have to undergo screening through the International Scholars and International Visitors Portal as well?

Yes, please route postdoctoral associates needing a J-1 visa through the International Scholars and International Visitors Portal. The submitting department will receive a written determination upon completion of the UF RISC review.

If the International Scholar or International Visitor is funded by a program that intends to provide UF with a bench fee, will the visit need to be routed through UFIRST as well?

Yes, once the International Scholar or International Visitor is approved through the International Scholars and International Visitors Portal, you will likely need to route the visit through UFIRST as well. Please contact Division of Sponsored Programs for assistance.

What is a Technology Control Plan (TCP)?

A Technology Control Plan (TCP) is an internal document, between the UF RISC’s Export Control Team and a Researcher or PI, designed to lay out the plan to appropriately comply with export control regulations and contract terms related to a specific research project or export controlled article.

What is a Restricted Party?

As defined by the Export Control Policy, Restricted Party means individuals, groups or entities identified by the U.S. government as a party that cannot engage in certain aspects of business with U.S persons without specific governmental authorization. UF will not host International Scholars or International Visitors who are themselves, or who are representing, a Restricted Party.

All campus units are encouraged to continue to conduct Restricted Party Screening on International Visitors engaged in UF business visiting on other visa types for less than 30 days. For more information on Restricted Party Screening, please visit Export Controls.