Visitors coming to Rice with external funding and requesting access to Rice privileges will be processed through the Visitor Management System (VMS) and will be named Academic Visitors. Academic Visitors requiring J-1 visa sponsorship from Rice will have to complete the VMS process, as well as the steps outlined at https://oiss.rice.edu/jscholar, at least 90 days prior to the scholar's expected date of arrival.

VMS Process

International Academic Visitors who do not require J-1 visa sponsorship from Rice are responsible for confirming with the sponsor of their visa status (such as the international office or immigration attorney) that their existing status allows them to engage with Rice University per the specifics of each academic visitor request.

Academic Visitors needing J-1 visa sponsorship from Rice should make sure to answer "Yes" to the Visitor Questionnaire question "Do you need visa sponsorship from Rice?" to ensure that the request reaches OISS. The J-1 Request process detailed at https://oiss.rice.edu/jscholar must be completed in addition to the VMS request.

Important note: If the Academic Visitor needing J-1 visa sponsorship has not secured a bachelor's degree (or bachelor's equivalent) by the time of arrival to Rice, the VMS process will not apply. Academic Departments will need to follow the Visiting International UG Researcher process for those who are currently working on the bachelor's degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Q: Who do I contact for questions pertaining to initiating or updating information in the VMS?
A: Please contact visitorhelp@rice.edu

2) Q: What role does OISS have in the VMS?
A: OISS approves the VMS request and processes a DS-2019 immigration document for qualifying Academic Visitors needing J-1 visa sponsorship from Rice.

3) Q: Where can I find Guidelines for the Visitor Intake Process?
A: See the "VMS webpage".