Hosting International Visitors

Texas Tech University welcomes international scholars, researchers, and collaborators as part of its global research mission. However, hosting foreign nationals—including those on J-1, H-1B, or O-1 visas—requires compliance with U.S. export control laws and federal immigration regulations.

To prevent the unauthorized transfer of controlled technology or data and to comply with sponsor and visa requirements, TTU faculty and staff must notify the Office of Export and Security Compliance (OESC) when planning to host an international visitor.

When to Notify OESC

You must contact OESC if you are:

• Hosting a foreign national visitor, regardless of visa type or duration of stay
• Sponsoring a J-1, H-1B, or O-1 visa in coordination with International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
• Involving a visitor in research that may contain proprietary, restricted, or export-controlled information
• Paying or reimbursing a non-U.S. person, which requires verification through the TechBuy international vendor process
• Rehosting a prior visitor whose role, lab, scope of work, or funding source has changed

Required Export Control Review

OESC will conduct a formal Export Compliance Review prior to visa processing or campus access. This includes:

• Restricted Party Screening (RPS) of the visitor and their affiliated institution
• Review of the visitor’s proposed scope of work to determine if a Technology Control Plan (TCP) is required
• Assessment of any relevant sensitive or controlled research projects in the host lab
• Verification of visitor status under federal restricted entity lists and applicable sanctions laws

If the visitor or their institution is subject to export restrictions or presents a risk of undue foreign influence, technology transfer, or noncompliance, the visit may require federal licensing or may not be approved.

Best Practices for Hosting Visitors

• Notify OESC at least 4 weeks in advance of the proposed visit
• Submit all visa-related requests through ISSS; OESC must approve prior to final visa processing
• Keep a copy of your EC screening result email for documentation purposes
• Inform OESC immediately of changes in:
  • Visitor’s scope of work or research duties
  • Funding source or appointment
  • Hosting department or supervising faculty

Who Needs to Be Screened?

OESC requires screening for:

• All foreign nationals visiting TTU in a professional, research, or academic capacity
• Interns, job candidates, exchange scholars, and delegates
• New hires who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Individuals with significant contact during international travel, such as foreign collaborators, conference organizers, or overseas faculty contacts

U.S. permanent residents (green card holders) are treated as U.S. persons and do not require screening.

Summary of Hosting Process

1. Initiate visa request with ISSS
2. Notify OESC for export control screening and review
3. Submit TechBuy request if paying or reimbursing a non-U.S. visitor
4. Receive confirmation from OESC before finalizing visit arrangements
5. Coordinate any Technology Control Plan (TCP) with OESC if controlled research is involved

For more information on hosting international scholars, visit the International Affairs – Employing International Visitors page or contact OESC for guidance on your specific situation.