From time to time, academic departments and business units may wish to invite international visitors and scholars to attend events or to participate in short-term research projects at DePaul University. For immigration purposes, such visitors are generally considered "Business Visitors."
Please see below for more information about inviting foreign nationals to campus for short-term business activities and events. Our Immigration Forms page also includes a template invitation letter, which may assist Business Visitors in obtaining a B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
B-1/B-2 (Visitor) Visas - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa?
B-1/B-2
Visitor visas are available to foreign nationals who are entering the country
for six months or less to visit for “business purposes.”
How may a Business Visitor obtain a B-1/B-2 visa?
DePaul
University cannot apply for a visitor visa on someone's behalf. A
foreign national seeking a Business Visitor visa should make an appointment
with his or her local U.S. Consulate. The visitor will need to demonstrate that
the purpose of the trip is related to business; that s/he plans to remain for a
specific, limited period of time no longer than six months; that s/he has funds
to cover travel and lodging expenses; and that s/he has compelling social and
economic ties to the home country, which incentivize him or her to return home
after the visit.
May DePaul pay a Business Visitor's travel expenses, or provide a stipend?
Business
Visitors may be paid stipends or reimbursed for travel expenses under certain, limited circumstances. With
departmental approval, DePaul can pay for a visitor’s travel and/or lodging
expenses, as well as pay an honorarium or stipend for up to nine (9) days of
services performed for the benefit of DePaul, so long as the
visitor has not received similar payments from more than five (5) educational
institutions in the past six (6) months.
This is often referred to as the “9/5/6 Rule.” Please contact the OGC's Immigration Attorney if you anticipate paying
a visitor to confirm that the payment is permissible under the
applicable immigration laws.
What should I do if I would like to invite a Business Visitor to DePaul?
If you
wish to invite a Business Visitor to DePaul: - Provide the visitor with an invitation letter outlining the
purpose and details of their trip. For a template invitation letter,
please visit our Immigration Forms page, or contact the OGC’s Immigration
Attorney.
- Inform the visitor that during his or her visa interview, s/he
will likely need to present proof of ability pay for the trip, as well as proof
of ties to his or her home country. Evidence of such ties can include
proof of local residence, employment, family, bank accounts, civic membership,
and tax forms, among other things.
- Contact the OGC if you anticipate paying the visitor to confirm that
such payment is permissible under immigration laws.