Arriving Visitor Scholars
Entering the US: What to Expect at the US Port of Entry
New J-1 Visiting Scholars entering the United States for a new program can only enter up to 30 days before the start date of their DS-2019 (J-1) document- NOT EARLIER. We recommend arriving during OISS office hours (8am-5pm PT, Mon-Fri). In case of entry issues, you can request Customs and Border Protection to contact OISS.
Note: J-1 Visiting Scholars who are transferring their J-1 status from another U.S. institution to CLU should consult with the Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars, Dr. Patricia Aguirre, regarding their transfer and travel plans. You can schedule an appointment online or email (jscholar@CalLutheran.edu).
J-1 SEVIS Validation
All new (initial and transfer) J-1 Visiting Scholars are required to submit copies
of their immigration
documents to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) using the OISS
scholar portal
within 15 days after their arrival to the United States. The J-1 SEVIS Validation
is a procedure that verifies
one’s immigration status to ensure that they are eligible to start an appointment
at CLU. Once all
documentation is submitted, OISS will validate the SEVIS record. Failure to complete
the J-1 SEVIS
Validation may result in a loss of J-1 visa status. New J-1 Visiting Scholars who
are currently outside the
U.S. must wait until they arrive in the U.S. to complete the J-1 SEVIS Validation.
J-1 Visiting Scholar Orientation
In addition to the submission of the paperwork for SEVIS validation, J-1 Visiting
Scholars must attend an
orientation session with the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). During the mandatory
orientation for new J-1 Visiting Scholars and transfers, you will learn about maintaining
J-1 status, health
insurance requirements, travel signatures, and other important information you may
have during your time
at CLU. You will receive an email from OISS with Orientation instructions and information
for orientation.
Note: J-1 Visiting Scholars are also expected to attend their sponsoring department orientation
and any
additional required session by CLU Human Resources and/or the Provost’s Office (if
applicable).