Occasional Lectures and Consultations

The DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor J-1 Status) describes the type of work--the program activity--in which the J-1 scholar may be engaged.

Scholars may receive payment for occasional lectures or short-term consultations at another institution or company, provided that the following requirements are met:

• The request must be submitted to the International Faculty & Scholar Office (IFSO) prior to the activity.
• Proposed employment must be directly related to the objectives of the UC San Diego program.
• Activity must be incidental to the primary program activities.
• Activity must not delay the completion of the J-1 program.
• The employer must hire the scholar as an "independent contractor" for any payment.

"Short-term consultations" will not be authorized for periods of greater than two weeks.  "Occasional lectures" are not regularly recurring, such as lecturing once a week for a quarter. No more than one consultation per quarter. Authorization will not be granted for situations that comprise a conflict of interest, such as working for a PI's private company.

To obtain authorization, a J-1 scholar must submit a J-1 Off-Campus Activity Request Form to IFSO. In this form, the scholar must upload documentation, including the following:

• Copy of current I-94
• Invitation or Offer Letter from the prospective employer/organization, on its official letterhead, which includes the following information about the terms and conditions of the offer to lecture or consult:
  • Description of the activity
  • Field or subject
  • Duration of the activity (start and end date required)
  • Total number of hours scheduled to work (please specify per week or month, etc.)
  • Amount of compensation
  • Location of activity (include address)

If approved, IFSO will issue an authorization letter and a new DS-2019.

Allow 10 business days for processing. The International Faculty & Scholar Office will notify the scholar when it is complete or if any other information is required.