Hosting Visiting Scholars

The sponsoring department or faculty member will submit an EXCHANGE VISITOR PROPOSAL (EVP) FORM, which collects the information listed below, to the Office of International Programs and Partnerships (IPP):

• EVP Form link: https://mylmu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Qts6lrUSspG2B8.
• The sponsoring department.
• The name and contact information of one faculty member who will act as the Visiting Scholar’s primary sponsor.
• The Visiting Scholar’s name, contact information, and institutional affiliation.
• Estimated start and end date of proposed project and visit.
• Brief description of project; NB: All research is required to be completed in Los Angeles.
• The Visiting Scholar’s involvement with and contributions to LMU and sponsoring department.
• Scholarly and research activities in which the Visiting Scholar will engage to the benefit of the sponsoring unit and the University at large.
• The hosting unit’s specific strategies for integrating the Visiting Scholar into the life of the department and broader campus community.
• The ways in which the Scholar’s presence meet LMU’s internationalization goals (see 2021 LMU Internationalization Strategic Plan).
• Dean’s / Department chair’s / Program Director’s financial commitment, if applicable.
• Letter of reference from Visiting Scholar home institution (optional).
• The Visiting Scholar’s C.V. or resume.
• Download a copy of the EVP Form questions. 

Copies of submitted EXCHANGE VISITOR PROPOSALS will be sent to IPP, OISS, and leadership in the sponsoring department, e.g., department chairs, associate deans, and deans, when applicable. 

• Visiting Scholar appointment plans will be reviewed by the Office of International Programs and Partnerships (IPP).
• All appointments are subject to final approval by the provost. 
• IPP will issue preliminary approvals to the host department or sponsoring faculty member.

• International Programs and Partnerships will send the sponsoring faculty member instructions on creating the LETTER OF INVITATION for the Visiting Scholar.
  • The scholarly and teaching qualifications of the Visiting Scholar.
  • How the plan for this nominee will support the University’s internationalization goals.
  • Proposed duration and timing of appointment.
  • The availability of resources (office and/or lab space, computer and/or special library access, etc.) to support the Visiting Scholar’s activities on campus.
  • Any funding committed by your department/program, as well as any funding from other sources applied for or committed.
  • How the scholar will contribute to broader LMU community, e.g., the scholar will engage in at least 3 activities per semester, present at faculty pub night, etc.
• The faculty sponsor will draft the letter of invitation using their responses from the EVP form to create this document. It should include the following information:

The sponsoring department or faculty member will electronically submit the items listed below to the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS), preferably three (3) months before the program start date. OISS reserves the right to require a different program start date if the timeframe requested is unlikely to succeed, considering international mail, visa wait times, and administrative processes. 

• An EXCHANGE VISITOR PROPOSAL with preliminary approval from the Office of International Programs and Partnerships.
• Include a letter of reference if not uploaded in EVP form.
• LETTER OF INVITATION
• If Visiting Scholar is sponsored by Fulbright skip to Step 5.
• Completed DS-2019 REQUEST FORM in MyStatus.
  • A signed certificate from an academic institution or English language school.
  • Results from a recognized English language test (TOEFL/IELTS).
  • Min TOEFL/IELTS scores - TOEFL - 550 (paper based); 100 (Internet Based), IELTS - 7; Duolingo – 130.
  • Undergraduate or graduate degree earned at institution where curriculum is taught in English.
  • A documented interview conducted by the faculty sponsor in person, by phone, or videoconference.
  • Exchange visitor is a national/citizen of a country where English is the official language.
• Documentary Evidence of Financial Support in English including letter of funding from their home institution, if applicable.
• Completed HEALTH INSURANCE CERTIFICATION. 
• Completed ATTESTATION OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY with supporting documentation (if necessary). English proficiency may be demonstrated by any of the following: 
• COPY OF PASSPORT ID PAGE.
• COPY OF J-2 DEPENDENT’S PASSPORT ID PAGE (if applicable).

• OISS will review all documentation and work with the host department and sponsoring faculty member as necessary. 
• LMU host department or Visiting Scholar will pay a $300 ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROGRAMMING FEEthrough OISS marketplace. 
• Fee is waived if Visiting Scholar is sponsored by Fulbright or other approved third party.
• OISS will send completed documents to the provost for final approval. 

• Once all documentation is received and approved, OISS will enter Visiting Scholar data in SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) and issue Form DS-2019.
• Proof of payment of $300 ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROGRAMMING FEE will be required before processing of forms.
• OISS will prepare the DS-2019 packet including items listed below:
• Signed Form DS-2019 with SEVIS number.
• Welcome letter with instructions for next steps (e.g., visa application info).
• DS-2019 packet will be sent to the scholar by the faculty sponsor or host department.

• Upon acceptance of the DS-2019 packet, the Visiting Scholar will pay the SEVIS fee online with the SEVIS number found on their Form DS-2019.
• The Visiting Scholar is responsible for scheduling a visa application interview at one of the S embassies or consulates abroad. 
• Information about the visa application interview and how to prepare is available here. 
• S. embassy or consulate reviews application, conducts security background check, and issues visa stamp.
• If approved, the Visiting Scholar (and dependents, if applicable) will receive their visa(s) from the U.S. embassy or consulate and are cleared to travel to the U.S.
• The Visiting Scholar may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before but no later than 30 days after the official program start date noted on their Form DS-2019.

• The Visiting Scholar (and dependents, if applicable) will check in with OISS within fifteen days of program start date.
• See here for the meeting agenda and what to bring. 
• Items to be discussed include maintaining J-1 visa status, travel, employment, social security number, driving, and adjusting to life in U.S.
• OISS will notify the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) via SEVIS that the Visiting Scholar has begun their program.