Resources for Accepted Scholars
Preparing for arrival at Harvard University includes logistical planning for accepted scholars and their families. The tabs below offer helpful information for accepted scholars as they prepare for their residency at CES.
Additional questions can be directed to CES Program Manager Albana Shehaj.
Visiting Scholars who are not U.S. citizens or who do not possess a green card will apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa sponsored by Harvard University. Please note that for some countries, there is a two-year home country residency requirement following a stay in the U.S. on a J-1 visa when holders of the visa are the recipients of funding from their home country governments. For more information on the two- year home country residence requirement, please consult a U.S. embassy or consulate.
There is a minimum of three months needed to process a visa, which Visiting Scholars should keep in mind when planning to come to Harvard.
Accepted Visiting Scholars will receive additional information from the CES Program Coordinator on how to obtain a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. Spouses and dependents under the age of 21 can accompany visitors by applying for a J-2 visa. Visiting Scholars are responsible for all fees associated with the visa application process, including the visa application fee ($160), SEVIS fee ($180), and visa issuance fee (depending on the country where the visa is issued). Accompanying J-2 dependents are not subject to the SEVIS fee.
The Harvard International Office (HIO) outlines in more detail the visa application process and is an excellent resource for all visa-related questions.
