Faculty Visa Requirements

Visa Requirements for SU Abroad Faculty

London

In May 2005, immigration requirements changed for visiting academics (non-EU citizens) going to the UK for the purpose of teaching. The new regulations define teaching as an activity that requires a work-permit, and therefore SU faculty assigned to the SU London Program (SULP) must now obtain work permits in order to teach a course that lasts longer than two weeks.

SULP submits the work permit application for all summer, semester, and academic-year faculty under the “Sponsored Researcher” visa category. This category is designed for visiting academics who engage in research in the UK and who also teach “part-time” during the research period. Syracuse faculty are required to provide a 400-word research statement as part of the application process. Faculty going for longer than 6 months are also required to obtain an entry permit visa, in addition to the work permit. Contact Sue Shane for submission procedures (443-1925), including samples of research statements and a list of supporting documentation required.

For general information about UK work permit visas, visit http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk.

Florence

All U.S. faculty teaching in Florence who are not EU citizens need a work permit, whether for a semester or a year. It is important to start the visa application process six months prior to your departure, because the clearance process at the Labor Office and Questura in Florence may be as long as 4-5 months. Once this approval is granted, applicants must then go to the U.S. Italian Consulate in person to apply for the visa. SU Abroad will cover your travel expenses to New York and an overnight stay at the Lubin House, meals, and your visa application fee (receipts are required for reimbursement). Please contact Sue Shane (443-1925) for more information.

Requirements are online at http://www.italconsulnyc.org, with Subordinate Work Visa requirements on this page.

Strasbourg, France and Madrid

U.S. faculty teaching in France and Spain who are not EU citizens must obtain visas with an exemption from work permit. In Strasbourg, the exemption application is very quick (about a week). Visas to Spain take much longer, up to 3 or 4 months. In both cases, faculty must apply in-person at the consulate for their visas. SU Abroad will cover your expenses, based on receipts (travel, meals, application fee, and an overnight stay in New York at the Lubin House). Contact Sue Shane (443-1925) for complete information.

Hong Kong and Beijing

Visas are required for visiting academics from the U.S. who are not Chinese citizens. A visitor/tourist visa is sufficient for assignments of 90 days or less. Longer-term assignments that include teaching at a host university require a letter of invitation from the host university that allows the professor to obtain an academic visa for visiting scholars.

Additional Information

For visa information concerning SU Abroad summer assignments not at SU centers, contact Sue Shane at 443-1925.