International Visitors

Cornell welcomes Ph.D. students and scholars from around the world to study, research, and speak at the Law School. Visiting scholars and researchers may come to Cornell for an academic year, semester, or weeks-long appointments, often under an exchange agreement with one of our partner schools. Visiting scholars enjoy access to Law School’s and other campus libraries and university facilities, including research databases. Our visitors also have the opportunity to attend faculty colloquia and community lectures. In addition, visitors may also audit law school courses, with permission from the instructor each semester. The Law School will attempt to provide a workspace in the library — either a carrel or a shared room.

Each year, the number of applications far exceeds the number of scholars the law school can accommodate. The International Programs Office reviews each application and takes into account each applicant’s academic background, research interests, scholarly achievements, and English-language proficiency.

The Office of International Programs will generally not review applications, regardless of when submitted, until shortly after the deadline associated with each respective intake period

In general, Cornell Law School does not accept visiting scholars or researchers unless the applicant is the nominee under an exchange agreement with a partner school, or a Cornell Law School faculty member has invited them.

Nevertheless, each year a few spots are available to scholars without a preexisting connection to Cornell. In the absence of a preexisting relationship with a faculty member, applicants are asked not to contact faculty members directly. The Law School will match prospective scholars with interested faculty members during the application review process.

All visitors fall within one of two categories:

• Visiting scholars: Generally those with a faculty appointment at their home institution for five years or more, or equivalent professional status (e.g., experienced jurists, government officials, and senior practitioners)
• Visiting researchers: Generally Ph.D. degree candidates, younger professionals, and others who are at the beginning of a promising academic career.

All candidates are required to have superior English language proficiency and a clearly articulated research plan. Applicants must submit an application form specifying the dates of the proposed visit and giving reasons for visiting at Cornell along with the materials listed below in order to receive consideration:

Application Materials

A completed application form (click here to apply)

• A current curriculum vitae
• A one-page description of your intended research project
• Two letters of recommendation
• TOEFL or IELTS scores or accepted documentation of English-language proficiency, if not a native English speaker of English

Application Deadlines

• February 1 (for visits to begin the following August–December)
• September 1 (for visits to begin the following January–July)

Fees

All visitors are assessed program fees by the Law School and the university based on the length of the visit. The Law School cannot provide visitors with any financial aid or funding to assist with fees and/or living expenses, nor does it offer stipends to appointed visitors.

• Visiting scholar fee: $2,500/semester; $5,000/academic year
• Visiting researcher fee: $1,250/semester; $2,500/academic year

In order to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations, most foreign visitors will need to obtain a J-1 visa in order to pursue their research at Cornell Law School. Once accepted, the Law School and will assist those international visitors seeking J-1 status for the duration of their visiting period in obtaining a DS-2019 form. Please note that immigration regulations require all foreign visitors to provide documentation of their ability to support themselves financially while in the United States. J-1 regulations require proof of sufficient English language knowledge upon being selected to participate in a J-1 program. Cornell University also requires that you have a medical insurance policy protecting you and your family in the event of a major illness or injury. U.S. Government regulations also mandate that all exchange visitors (J-1 visa holders) and their dependents (J-2) have health and accident insurance to participate in Cornell’s exchange programs.

Learn more on the International Services website.