International Student and Scholar Services

Visiting Scholars and Work Visas

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International Visitors

Western Michigan University supports international visitors and scholars via these key US visa categories:

Primary work visa options

Other visa categories for temporary visitors and specialists

  • B Visitor visas: Temporary business or tourism; personal, non-WMU sponsored.
  • O-1 visas: For individuals of extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, or other fields.
  • E-3 visas: Specialized option for Australian professionals.
  • TN visas: For Canadian and Mexican citizens.

Each has unique eligibility, processes, stay limits, and sponsorship needs for regulatory compliance.​

Next Steps

  1. Review specifics for each category.
  2. Review the process and fill out the International Visitor Registration Form.
  3. Contact WMU International Student and Scholar Services at (269) 387-5865 for sponsorship guidance, invitations and compliance. You can also reach us at@email.
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International Visitor Registration Form

Planning to host an international scholar or visitor? Begin by completing the International Visitor Registration Form so our office can review the visit and provide appropriate guidance.

B-1/B-2 Visa

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Individuals may choose to travel to the United States using a B Visitor visa or the Visa Waiver Program when they meet U.S. Department of State regulations. These options are considered personal travel categories and are not sponsored by Western Michigan University.

For assistance with work or research related categories, contact  International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) at (269) 387-5865 for assistance. You may also email oiss-info@wmich.edu.

Before finalizing travel plans, visitors should confirm which visa or travel category best matches their activities in the US. Visit the US State Department's Visitor Visa page for additional information.

The Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) is the online system used by nationals of China holding a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 (visitor) visa to update basic biographic information to facilitate their travel to the United States. In addition to a valid visa, such travelers will be required to complete an EVUS enrollment to be admitted into the United States.

The US Visa Waiver Program enables citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business and allows qualified travelers to enter the US visa-free if they meet conditions:

  • They have received an authorization to travel under the Visa Waiver Program through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
  • They are traveling for business or pleasure and have a valid passport issued by a participating Visa Waiver Program country. Passports must be valid for six months beyond the expected stay in the US unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions. Visa Waiver Program travelers will be required to present biometric passports when entering under the program.
  • They will stay in the US for 90 days or less; no extensions or changing status allowed.
  • They demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves while in the US.
  • They enter the US via a land border or aboard an approved carrier.
  • They have an onward or return ticket if traveling by air or sea.
  • They have no visa ineligibility and are a national of a Visa Waiver Program country.
  • They agree to waive the right to review or appeal an immigration officer's admissibility decision and waive the right to challenge removal.
  • They do not pose a safety threat to the US and have no previous violation of US admission. 

Western Michigan University departments and colleges are advised to consult with the research compliance coordinator in the WMU Office of Research and Innovation before issuing a formal or written invitation to a prospective international visitor to ensure compliance with regulations. Individuals visiting the University on visitor visas must still follow WMU Export Control procedures. 

Contact the WMU Office of Research and Innovation at (269) 387-8293 or ovpr-export-control@wmich.edu with questions. 

Note: The completed International Visitor Registration Form is sent to the Export Control officer.

Tourist and business visitors in B-1, B-2 or Visa Waiver Program status are eligible to receive honoraria and reimbursement of incidental expenses.

Only colleges, universities, nonprofit research organizations and governmental research agencies are allowed to pay honoraria and incidental expenses. An honoraria is payable only all items apply.

  1. The duration of the activity is nine days or less.
  2. The visitor has not been paid or reimbursed by more than five other institutions during the past six months.

An honorarium is a gratuitous payment for participation in a usual academic activity for which no fee is legally required; an honorarium may be of any dollar amount.

Usual academic activity is defined as those activities for the benefit of the institution that include, but are not limited to: lecturing; teaching; consulting; conducting research; attending meetings, symposiums or seminars; or otherwise sharing knowledge, experience or skills in master classes, readings, performances (when the audience is composed of non-paying students or open to the general public and general admission tickets to the public have not been sold), and meetings of boards, committees or merit review panels. 

The rule precludes the sale of tickets for usual academic activity, and states that in such circumstances the foreign national would need to avail him or herself of another visa category.

Associated incidental expense reimbursements or payments for travel costs, lodging, meals, uniforms and supplies are allowed.

Refer to Carol LaLonde, WMU Assistant Director of Corporate Reporting and Taxation, at carol.lalonde@wmich.edu for information on procedures and eligibility to receive payments from WMU.

O-1 Extraordinary Ability

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WMU sponsors O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, motion pictures or television who have sustained national or international acclaim. The Haenicke Institute's International Student and Scholar Services coordinates petitions via WMU-appointed immigration attorneys. Departments cannot use outside counsel or allow self-petitions.

  • The O-1 category sponsors individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, motion pictures or television.
  • Proof of extraordinary ability: Evidence such as major awards, publications, judging roles, high salary, or comparable recognition.
  • Job offer required: Permanent or temporary employment offer from WMU; self-petitioning not allowed.
  • WMU files Form I-129 petitions via the Haenicke Institute's International Student and Scholar Services  with coordinated immigration attorneys for temporary US work.
  • Family and/or assistants may accompany.
  • Employe or position specific: Work only for sponsoring WMU department in petitioned role; changes need new or amended petition.
  • WMU job offer required; no self-petitions.
  • Filing timeline: Up to 6 months before employment start.
  • Duration: Initial 3 years plus unlimited 1-year extensions.
  • Department costs: Attorney fees, filing, return travel if dismissed early.
  • J-1 to O-1: Eligible abroad if 212(e) applies (no U.S. change of status).
  • O-3 family: Spouse and children under 21; no U.S. employment.
  • Dual intent: Permanent residency pursuit won't impact O-1 status.

All O-1A petitions require prior clearance from the WMU Export Control Committee in the Office of Research and Innovation. Contact @email or (269) 387-8293 before proceeding.

Premium processing guarantees US Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) review within 15 calendar days for an additional fee (beyond attorney and filing costs). Contact International Student and Scholar Services for details. You can reach us at oiss-info@wmich.edu.

  1. Consult I3S at (269) 387-5873 or @email to confirm O-1 suitability versus alternatives like H-1B or J-1.
  2. Department submits to I3S: O-1 Request Form Parts A (department) and B (foreign national); Application Checklist; Certification Regarding Release of Controlled Technology or Technical Data; and Change of Address Notification.
  3. I3S Attorney Coordination: Petition filed via Form I-129 up to 6 months before employment start.
  4. US Citizen and Immigration Services processing: Standard or premium; Haenicke Institute liaises throughout.

Departments must use official WMU forms when requesting O-1 sponsorship for an employee.

O-1 Visa Forms

O-1 workers may travel internationally but should consult International Student and Scholar Services before any travel to confirm eligibility and document requirements.

Travel Within North America

Carry your passport, I-94, I-797 Approval Notice, and Bronco Card at all times when traveling domestically, especially outside Kalamazoo.

Travel to Canada or Mexico (30 Days or Less)

O-1 workers with expired visas may return using automatic visa revalidation.
Required documents:

  • Passport valid for more than six months from return date.
  • Valid I-94 arrival/departure record.
  • Original I-797 Approval Notice for O-1 status.

Travel Abroad (More Than 30 Days)

A valid O-1 visa is required for re-entry. Plan for extended visa processing times, interviews, and possible security clearances.

Citizens of Iran, Syria, Sudan, or Cuba

O-1 holders from these countries always need a valid visa and may face additional security clearances and extended delays beyond 30 days.

Contact

Email I3S at @email prior to any international travel.

E3 Visa

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An E-3 visa is a visa category solely for Australians coming to the United States to work temporarily in a specialty occupation. It also covers spouses and children of E-3 holders (who need not be Australian).

An E-3 visa is available solely for Australian citizens coming to the United States to work temporarily in a specialty occupation. A specialty occupation requires:​

  • Theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge;
  • A Bachelor's or higher degree (or equivalent)​

E-3 applicants must comply with these conditions:

  • Valid for maximum 24 months; indefinitely renewable.
  • Annual cap of 10,500 visas (spouses/children excluded).
  • Non-permanent intent; must intend to depart after status ends.
  • E-3D dependents: Prove relationship (marriage and/or birth certificate) plus principal's E-3 visa.
  • E-3 spouses: Eligible for Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-765) for any work.
  • Admitted for 2-year periods if temporary intent shown.
  • Varying consulate wait times; contact nearest U.S. consulate.

WMU departments inviting E-3 professionals from Australia should contact WMU International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) at (269) 387-5873 or @email. ​

To qualify, applicant must demonstrate:

  • Legitimate WMU employment offer in specialty occupation.
  • Australian citizenship.
  • Temporary US stay.
  • Required license/permission (if applicable for occupation).​

Three-step process:

  1. Prevailing wage: I3S obtains from U.S. Department of Labor; WMU pays higher of prevailing wage or department actual wage.
  2. Labor Condition Application (LCA): Department of Labor certifies I3S-submitted LCA; WMU attests to employment terms and labor conditions.
  3. Visa issuance: Applicant applies at US consulate for E-3 (and E-3D for dependents, if needed).

Post-arrival: E-3 holder must check-in with I3S.

Departments must use official WMU forms when requesting E-3 sponsorship for an employee.

E-3 Visa Forms

TN Visa

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TN classification is a temporary employment status that allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the United States in certain listed professional occupations under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), including some university teaching and research positions.

TN (Trade NAFTA)

In accordance with the United States‑Mexico‑Canada Agreement, certain Canadian professionals are admissible for temporary employment in the United States without petition approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Basic Requirements and General Information

The individual seeking TN classification must be coming to the U.S. to engage in business activities in one of the NAFTA‑specified occupations listed in Appendix 1603.D.1 (Title 8 C.F.R. 214.6 as set forth in Appendix 1603.D.1 of the NAFTA). 

These professionals may enter the US simply by providing documentation at the port of entry that proves they are engaged in one of the designated professions and that they possess the required educational credentials to qualify in the listed professions.

Canadian professionals already in the US (probably in H‑1B, L‑1 or O‑1 status) may choose to apply for TN status within the US through an application for change of nonimmigrant status. This type of TN must be processed by WMU International Student and Scholar Services because it requires filing of an I‑129 petition with the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

Government filing fees for Form I‑129 vary and are subject to change; for current USCIS fees, see the USCIS fee schedule on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website. Note that USCIS fees are generally higher than the fees charged at the border.

Duration of stay

May allow up to three years. It may be renewed with no limit of number of extensions.

I‑9 process

For I‑9 purposes, WMU and a position title must be listed on the TN arrival and departure record (I‑94) since the TN category is position‑ and employer‑specific.

Family members

A spouse and unmarried children under 21 are classified in the TD category. They are not allowed to engage in employment in the U.S.

Procedures for admission

Canadian professionals seeking admission to the U.S. in the TN category must present the case for admission at the port of entry. All documents presented should be originals, which will be returned to the applicant after the inspection by the border officials. The TN application consists of the following:

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship (i.e. valid passport).
  • Evidence that the intended U.S. activity is one of the NAFTA‑specified occupations, which should include a thorough description of the job duties in the form of a cover letter from WMU including a statement that the purpose of the entry is temporary.
  • Evidence that the applicant has the necessary credentials to be considered a professional in one of the specified occupations.
  • Proof of a license to practice the profession if one is required in the state of intended employment.
  • Letter of employment, including remuneration and benefit.
  • Payment of applicable U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) fees for TN processing and the Form I‑94 arrival/departure record, paid with a personal check or money order. For current fee amounts, please refer to CBP’s official I‑94 information page or the most recent CBP fee notices.

Any credentials obtained outside the U.S., Canada or Mexico should be accompanied by a credential evaluation. The TN category is position‑ and employer‑specific; it might not be valid for any other position even within the same department. Consult with an immigration officer in WMU's International Student and Scholar Services prior to making any changes to the terms and conditions of the TN employment.

Canadians traveling by motor vehicle may apply for TN status at a land border crossing post during regular business hours (avoid a.m. and p.m. rush hours) by asking to speak to the NAFTA officer.

Canadians arriving in the U.S. by air are advised to contact the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) office at the Canadian airport from which they will be departing to ask for instructions. Each NAFTA office has its own procedures. Depending on the airport, it may be necessary to submit materials for the TN application several days in advance.

Things to consider (per border officials)

  • Does the letter contain a correct NAFTA job title?
  • Does the letter contain a thorough description of the job duties?
  • Does the letter contain dates of employment, not exceeding three years?
  • Does the letter contain the salary and benefits?
  • Does the applicant meet the NAFTA requirements for employment in the TN classification?
  • Does the applicant have the required educational background for the TN classification?
  • Does the applicant have the necessary license, if applicable?
  • Is the applicant's educational background from a non‑US university and has it been evaluated according to US standards?

If the scholar is new to the University, is changing status from student to scholar, or is returning from a gap in employment, advise the scholar to meet in person with the WMU immigration officer prior to beginning or resuming employment at WMU.

Visit the Forms page for the following forms.

  • TN Application Checklist
  • TN Request Form (to be completed by hiring department
  • Change of Address Notification
TN Classification Forms