Pre-Arrival

Step 1: Identify a Faculty Host

Find a TC faculty member who will be in residence during your stay and agrees to serve as your faculty host. Faculty profiles are available on the Teachers College website.

 

Step 2: Connect with the Host Department Staff

After securing a faculty host, contact the designated staff member in the host department. This staff member will be your main point of contact and will initiate the Visiting Scholar application on your behalf. 

 

Your faculty host will begin your Visiting Scholar application on your behalf and create a Visiting Scholar profile in TC-Compass. 

 

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents

Collect all documents required for the application, such as identification, CV, and any program-specific forms.

 

Your host department staff will provide TC-Compass login information to complete your application forms:

• Applicant Information Form
• Program Information

 

Step 4: Submit Application via TC-Compass

Complete and submit your application online via TC-Compass. OISS will review your application within 14 business days.

 

Step 5: Receive Invitation Letter

Once your application is approved, you will receive a Teachers College Visiting Scholar Invitation Letter, and you will be instructed to pay the $500 Visiting Scholar administrative fee (payment instructions will be emailed).

 

Step 6: International Applicants who require J-1 Visa Sponsorship

If you require visa sponsorship through Teachers College, you can apply to the J Exchange Visitor Program to obtain a Form DS-2019, which will allow you to apply for a J-1 visa.

 

Obtain a Form DS-2019
Submit your request via TC-Compass under the Departmental Services tab. The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) will review applications, typically within 14 business days, and issue the Form DS-2019.

 

Obtain a J-1 Visa

Apply for a J-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country (or the country where you are currently residing).

 

Post-Arrival

Schedule an Orientation with the OISS

Schedule an orientation session with the Office of International Students and Scholars within 15 days of the start of the visiting scholar program. You must complete this step to ensure all information and resources are provided to you on time. 

 

Submit Visiting Professor/Scholar Check-In

Submit the “Visiting Professor/Scholar Check-In” form via TC-Compass upon your arrival in the United States or within a week of the visiting scholar program start date. This form must be submitted to properly activate your Visiting Scholar status.

 

Connect with TC Faculty Host

We recommend you schedule a time to meet and connect with your TC Faculty Host at the start of your stay at TC.

 

Together with your TC Faculty Host and academic department, the OISS staff look forward to supporting your stay at TC! Best wishes on a productive and successful stay at TC!

Processing Time

Documents will be processed in the order in which they are received, once the OISS receives the application and all supporting documents via TC-Compass.

We ask that prospective visiting scholars work with the academic department to ensure their application is submitted in its entirety.