Departments
Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) works with Stony Brook University departments to support international students, scholars, and employees. Use this section to find guidance on immigration requirements, department responsibilities, and the procedures for hiring, hosting, and supporting international members of the campus community.
Academic Department Resources
Find guidance to help you support internationals students with academic and immigration requirements. Topics include enrollment rules, academic verification requests, CPT requirements, student employment and volunteering, funding documentation, and employment clearance in SOLAR.
Hiring and Hosting
Learn how to hire international students, host visiting scholars and student interns, and sponsor international employees. Find information about visa categories, eligibility requirements, sponsorship procedures, and the documentation needed to get started.
Your Role as a Host Department
As a department, you are responsible for helping ensure that your international scholar:
- Is sponsored under the correct visa category
- Begins work only after proper authorization is in place
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date employment information
- Receives support throughout their time at SBU
Early planning and clear communication with VIS will help avoid delays and compliance issues.
Compliance and Responsibilities
U.S. immigration regulations require both the university and the employee to follow specific rules.
As a department, you must:
- Ensure employment aligns with the approved visa terms
- Avoid allowing unauthorized work
- Notify VIS of any changes in a timely manner
Failure to follow these requirements can impact both the scholar or employee’s status, and the university’s compliance.
Working with VIS
VIS partners with departments to manage immigration processes and provide ongoing support.
VIS can assist you with:
- Identifying the appropriate visa category (e.g., J-1, H-1B, O-1, TN, E-3)
- Initiating requests through accessVIS
- Coordinating with SUNY-approved immigration counsel when required
- Advising on employment changes, extensions, and compliance requirements
- Supporting scholars with travel, maintenance of status, and general questions
Departments should contact VIS before making any changes to a scholar’s role, funding, or work location.
Common Scenarios
You should contact VIS if:
- You plan to hire or host a new international scholar
- A scholar’s appointment will be extended
- There are changes to job duties, title, salary, or work location
- A scholar will work at an additional site
- A scholar plans to leave SBU earlier than expected
Forms and Templates
Find forms, sample letters, and supporting documents used for international scholar invitations, appointments, student internships, and other immigration-related processes. Review the applicable instructions to ensure your department submits the correct documentation.
Contact Visa and Immigration Services
If you have questions about immigration requirements or your department's responsibilities, contact VIS for guidance.
Email: vis@stonybrook.edu