Authorization for occasional lectures or short-term consultations

J-1 Scholars with a Form DS-2019 issued by Georgetown University may teach or do research only in the field or area listed in Box 4 of the DS-2019 and only for Georgetown University, provided that payment is listed on the DS-2019 prior to any work being completed. Any payment received from Georgetown University in an unrelated field is considered unauthorized employment. Any payment received from any other entity (even if the work is performed on the Georgetown campus) is considered unauthorized employment. The responsibility of accepting any type of employment that does not meet regulatory requirements, even if offered by another Georgetown University Department, falls solely on the J-1 Scholar. All visiting J-1 Scholars at Georgetown University must understand and abide by the laws governing their non-immigrant visa status. Please make an appointment to speak with your dedicated IS Advisor any time employment opportunities arise.

Work Authorization for occasional lectures or short-term consultations

According to the regulations governing J-1 status, Professors and Research Scholars may participate in occasional lectures and short-term consultations outside of Georgetown University if authorized by the Responsible or Alternate Responsible Officer of the J-1 program at Georgetown. Such lectures and consultations must be: incidental to the Exchange Visitor’s primary program activities, related to the field of study, occasional or short-term, not delay the completion of the J-1 program and require authorization prior to the activity. If the Exchange Visitor receives payment for a lecture or consultation, they must be classified as an independent contractor for tax purposes. This means that payments may be fully taxed.

Procedures for Requesting Work Authorization

To request approval for a lecture or short-term consultation, email your IS Advisor:

1. A letter from the employer (on letterhead, signed) which outlines the terms of the proposed lecture or consultation including the dates of employment, a brief description of the activities involved, and the amount of payment offered.
2. A letter from your Georgetown University host faculty member or department chair (on University letterhead, signed) recommending the proposed employment as relevant to your objectives in the United States, stating that the employment is considered within the field of teaching or research for which you came to the United States, that it will not delay the department date originally proposed or interrupt your original objective. The employment authorization must be specifically recommended by your host faculty member or department chair in this letter. Sample department letter

Please submit these documents via email at least one week prior to the start date of your lecture or consultation to allow enough time for processing. Participation in the activity may begin only after authorization is received in writing from your IS Advisor. Once authorization is granted, a letter of authorization will be sent via email. The authorization will apply only to the specific activity outlined in the letter.