Skip to main content

Issues / Immigration Law Restrictions

The matrix below provides guidance on whether Cornell can make a payment to a foreign visitor. Immigration law restricts these types of payments.

Note: If a payment is allowed under the conditions listed below, please see What Can Be Paid to Foreign Nationals for further instructions.

VISA STATUS
 Sponsoring Institution
 Honoraria Fee for Services
 Living Allowances, Stipends
 Wages
Alien Registration ("green card") N/A, sponsor not required
 Yes Yes Yes Yes
B-1 / B-2 N/A, sponsor not required Yes, with a signed statement from the visitor attesting to the following: the visit to Cornell will not exceed nine days; visitor has not received more than five honoraria in the last six months. No No No
F-1 Sponsor, NOT Cornell No No No No
Sponsor, Cornell Yes Yes Yes Yes
F-1: curricular/ practical training (See note 2) Sponsor, NOT Cornell Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sponsor, Cornell Yes Yes Yes Yes
H-1 Sponsor, NOT Cornell No No No No
Sponsor, Cornell Yes Yes Yes Yes
J-1 Sponsor, NOT Cornell Yes, with a letter of authorization from the sponsoring institution
 Yes, with a letter of authorization from the sponsoring institution Yes, with a letter of authorization from the sponsoring institution Yes, with a letter of authorization from the sponsoring institution
Sponsor, Cornell Yes Yes Yes Yes
TN (Canada, Mexico) Sponsor, NOT Cornell No No No No
Sponsor, Cornell Yes Yes Yes Yes
WT / WB N/A, sponsor not required Yes. See requirements under B-1 / B-2
 No No No
Other Visas
 Sponsor, NOT Cornell Contact Tax Compliance BEFORE making any payment agreements.

  1. Cornell will reimburse the business expenses (transportation, meals, lodging) for short-term visitors, as long as the voucher includes business purpose and original receipts supporting the expense(s).
  2. F-1 Practical Training: The visitor must have a current employment authorization card (EAD). F-1 Curricular Training: The visitor must have a stamp on his/her I-20 authorizing curricular training.