Occasional Lectures and Consultations (Incidental Employment)

Overview

Professors, research scholars, and short-term scholars may participate in occasional lectures and short-term consultations as long as such activities are approved in advance and in writing by the U-M International Center.

The term occasional embodies the concept of single events rather than an ongoing activity. This also includes authorization to be reimbursed for travel expenses or honorarium.

Eligibility Criteria

Such lectures and consultations must meet the following criteria: Source: 22 CFR § 62.20(g)(1)

  • Be directly related to the objectives of your J-1 program at U-M
  • Be incidental to your primary program activities
  • Not delay the completion date of your J-1 program at U-M

If you fail to obtain a letter authorizing the activity in advance, the U-M International Center may correct your SEVIS record for a technical or minor infraction if no more than 120 days have passed since the infraction occurred. Source: 22 CFR § 62.45(c)

Documentation Needed

  • A letter from the inviting institution describing the terms and conditions of the offer to lecture or consult, including the duration, location, number of hours, field or subject, amount of compensation (if any), and description of the activity.
  • A letter from your department supervisor at U-M:
    • Confirming that the proposed activity is directly related to your principal activity, is indeed incidental, and will not delay completion of your program at U-M
    • Explaining how the proposed activity would enhance your exchange visitor program at U-M
    • Recommending approval of the activity
  • A copy of paper or print-out of electronic Form I-94

How to Apply for Incidental Employment Authorization

  1. Go to the M-Passport portal and click on Scholar Login. After logging in, click on Requests > Incidental Employment, and follow the instructions from there.
  2. The U-M International Center will review your documentation and determine if you are eligible for incidental employment. If authorized, the U-M International Center will issue a letter authorizing the activity.
  3. You will present the letter as proof that you are allowed to receive pay for your activity. Keep a copy of the U-M International Center authorization letter for your records. The letter will serve as authorization of this activity.