Overview for Scholars

Scholar Immigration Definitions

Scholar Obtaining Your Visa (J-1)

Scholar Obtaining Your Visa (H-1B and O-1)

Scholar Transfer of Visa Supervision

Scholar Change of Status

Message for Canadian Scholars

Potential Delays in Visa Issuance

Scholar Tax Information

Health Insurance Overview for J-1 Scholars

Employment for J-1 Scholars

Employment Authorization for J-2

Employment for H-1B or O-1 Scholars

Scholar Maintaining Immigration Status (J-1)

Scholar Maintaining Immigration Status (H-1B and O-1)

J-1 Scholar Travel Information

H-1B Scholar Travel Information

O-1 Scholar Travel Information

Scholar Departure Information

Home Country Residency Requirement

Address Change Form

Departure upon Completion of Stay

You are required to notify the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) or the International Affairs Office (IAO), either in person or in writing, of the completion of your stay at Columbia and of the date of your final departure from the United States. Please leave an address with the ISSO or the IAO, so that you can be contacted if necessary. Before returning home, you should check with your country's consulate to determine customs procedures for bringing personal belongings, such as computers, back with you.

When you are leaving, give your I-94 card to the appropriate official (airline employee or immigration officer) so that your departure is recorded. If you find that you have not done so, you should return the I-94 card by following the instructions on the Customs and Border Protection website

Sailing Permits

Internal Revenue Service regulations require international scholars in H-1B, O-1, or TN status to obtain a tax clearance from the IRS called a "sailing permit" before departure from the U.S. Those in J status are no longer subject to this requirement. Those leaving temporarily use IRS Form 2063. Those leaving with no definite plans to return to the U.S. complete Form 1040-C, U.S. Departing Alien Income Tax Return, in order to get a sailing permit. For more information, see the IRS publication 519 US Tax Guide for Aliens available on the IRS website.

Last Reviewed: 7 October 2009 Last modified: 7 October 2009
International Students and Scholars Office
Columbia University