International Scholars
The University of New Mexico (UNM) hosts more than 200 foreign nationals from countries throughout the world to conduct research and/or teach each year as 'International Scholars'. The Office of International Programs and Studies at UNM is responsible for immigration processing and providing orientation and other services for 'International Scholars' who are in the US in J1 status (J1 Researcher, Short-term Scholar, Specialist or Professor). Individuals who are studying at UNM full-time in degree or exchange programs in legal student immigration status (F-1 or J-1 student status) are referred to as 'International Students' at UNM. If you are an International Student, please visit the International Students page. Otherwise, click one of the links below:
The University of New Mexico is designated by the US Department of State as a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program to sponsor Research Scholars, Professors, Short-Term Scholars and Specialists to conduct academic activities at UNM.
Department faculty and administrators who wish to invite and/or employ an international scholar in J-1 classification should visit our UNM Departments section to learn about UNM’s sponsorship policies and how to request J-1 visa related documentation.
J-1 Exchange Visitors visit UNM for as little as one week to a maximum of 5 years in paid or unpaid appointments.
OIPS will evaluate all of the forms and supporting documentation and issue the sponsorship document, form DS-2019, required to obtain a J-1 visa to commence teaching and/or research at UNM.
Due to sometimes lengthy delays in visa issuance, immigration processing, and travel planning, OIPS recommends that departments submit completed forms three months prior to the proposed start date of the academic activity to enable sufficient time for the scholar to complete all procedures and arrive on time for the appointment.
International advisors at OIPS are trained to evaluate each department request and establish whether J-1 immigration status is most appropriate to facilitate the plans of the department and the needs of the prospective scholar.
OIPS will then work with the department to gather the necessary information and prepare immigration documents to enable the prospective international scholar to obtain the J-1 classification to commence his/her academic activity.
OIPS maintains a high level of expertise in US Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations to invite, advise and employ international scholars.
There are a number of United States immigration classifications that enable our international scholars to perform research, teach or work at UNM.
Our office limits immigration processing to J-1 status for international scholars.
If you are interested in learning more about other possible immigration classifications for academic activity at UNM, please visit Visa Types for Scholars/Employees at UNM.
Foreign nationals who are employed by UNM in H-1B or O status or for whom the university is applying for permanent residency (PR) will need to consult an attorney.
All H1-B, O or PR cases for UNM are to be processed by one of several local UNM approved immigration law firms.
For more information, please go to: http://www.unm.edu/~counsel/employment/immigration.html.