During their time at Emory, international scholars may be asked to participate in occasional lectures or consultations. Federal regulations permit J-1 Research Scholars and Professors to share their research, skills, and/or knowledge via occasional lectures or consultations. However, they must receive permission from ISSS before the start date. J-1 scholars interested in participating in an occasional lecture or consultation should contact their ISSS advisor in advance to determine eligibility, and if permitted, obtain the necessary authorization. 

The federal regulations do not allow scholars in H-1B, TN, O-1 or E-3 status to take part in occasional lectures or consultations. Therefore, these scholars may not conduct any activities that would normally result in receiving an honorarium or payment from other entities. Scholars with questions should contact their ISSS advisor. 

As a benefit of their F-1 or J-1 status, international students may work on-campus. In general, employment is considered "on-campus" if the employment takes place on Emory's campus, the work being performed is for Emory, and the student is on Emory's payroll (i.e. the student is paid by Emory).

If these three conditions are not met (for example, if a student will be working on-campus but the payment will come from professor or an organization other than Emory University) the student must speak with their ISSS advisor prior to beginning any employment. 

Important: Unlike F-1 students, J-1 students must receive authorization from ISSS before starting on-campus employment. 

At Emory, new employees need to complete a number of tasks as part of the onboarding process. These tasks include, but are not limited to, completing employment and tax paperwork, obtaining an EmoryCard, and selecting benefits (if eligible). As a general rule, new international hires go through the same onboarding process as any new employee. However, in addition to completing Emory's onboarding process for all new hires, international scholars must also complete ISSS' International Scholar Check-in by submitting the appropriate Scholar Arrival e-form in ISSS Link and attending an ISSS New Scholar Orientation.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is meant to give F-1 students hands-on experience in their major field of study, and students can apply for it either during their program of study or after graduation. OPT generally lasts up to 12 months.

Before participating in OPT, students will need to get approval from USCIS, which usually takes around 90-120 days, but processing times may vary. Students should plan ahead, attend an OPT workshop in a timely manner, and apply as early as possible.

International scholar check-in consists of submitting the appropriate Scholar Arrival e-form in ISSS Link and attending an ISSS New Scholar Orientation. During this orientation scholars will learn how to maintain their non-immigrant status, learn about helpful resources, and get their questions answered.

• For J-1 Scholars: Submit the "J-1 New Scholar Arrival" e-form in ISSS Link (found under the "Pre-Arrival and Orientation" menu). J-1 scholars must complete it within 10 days of their start date and before attending a J-1 Scholar Orientation session. In the final section of the e-form, scholars will be required to choose a Scholar Orientation session to attend.
• For H-1Bs, E-3s, O-1s, and TNs: Submit the "Scholar Arrival: H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1" e-form in ISSS Link (found under the "Pre-Arrival and Orientation" menu). Scholars must complete it within 10 days of their start date.  At the end of the e-form, they will be directed to the ISSS website to find the name of their ISSS Advisor and a link to their advisor's online calendar.

Each school or program will host an orientation for international students where ISSS will give an immigration presentation called "Let's Talk About Your Immigration Status." During this session students will be able to get answers to any questions they might have. We will also share information about our events and programs, social media, and e-newsletter. This session is in addition to completing the mandatory International Student Check-in process in ISSS Link.