Hosting International Visitors

UNC Charlotte strives to maintain an open and welcoming atmosphere where visitors and scholars from around the world can learn, collaborate, and conduct research. As part of this commitment, the University complies with federal regulations requiring the monitoring of foreign persons’ assignments to its facilities to ensure that access to and disclosure of export-controlled articles and related information are limited to those authorized by an export license.

The Export Control Officer (ECO) assists with required export attestations on visas, ensures that necessary licenses are obtained (or confirms they are not required) for proposed visits, and provides guidance on U.S. export control regulations.

In collaboration with the Office of Research Protections and Integrity (ORPI), the ECO reviews all recipients of a J-1, H-1B, H-1B1, or O-1 visa using the Export Control Visitor Certification Forms. ORPI review and approval are required before the International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) may process visa applications.

Export Control Visa Review Process

  • The hosting unit submits an Export Control Visa Review Request Form to the Export Control shared inbox. Export Control creates an internal review case file for the beneficiary based on the submitted information.
  • Export Control conducts a restricted party screening (RPS) using Visual Compliance software for the beneficiary and their affiliations as listed on their CV or résumé.
  • Export Control reviews the form and analyzes additional information for export control red flags. The request will be approved if:
    • No RPS alerts are received for the beneficiary or their affiliations;
    • The beneficiary’s work assignment does not involve export-controlled technology or software; and
    • The beneficiary’s work qualifies as fundamental research.
  • Once approved, Export Control sends a determination that an export license is not required, noting any RPS alerts if applicable.

For current international scholars (i.e., faculty, researchers, visiting scholars) already approved by the ECO, hosting units only need to resubmit the Export Control Visitor Certification Forms to extend the scholar’s non-immigrant status. 

Please contact the Export Control Officer if your previously approved visa review submission requires updates due to any of the following changes:

  • A change in the scholar’s scope of work;
  • A change in the hosting unit;
  • A change in the scholar’s source of funding;
  • A change in the scholar’s hosting faculty mentor.

Questions About Export Control?

Review these frequently asked questions and contact our office if you need further guidance.

For more information on UNC Charlotte’s J-1 visa process, visit the ISSO J-1 Visiting Scholars page.

For details about unpaid volunteers, interns, and visiting scholars, refer to the UNC Charlotte Human Resources webpage section on Other Employment Types.

Before inviting an international visitor or employee to campus, contact the Export Control Officer for assistance.