What should I do prior to bringing an international visitor to campus?

In general, U.S. export control regulations allow universities to host foreign nationals—including students, faculty, academic appointees, and non‑employee participants in university programs—without obtaining a license, as long as the activities fall under fundamental research and are free from publication or access restrictions. Universities may also share with foreign nationals, whether in the U.S. or abroad, “technology” or “software” that is generated through fundamental research and intended for publication. This exception is known as the Fundamental Research Exclusion (FRE).

Export control regulations also permit universities to disclose information through instruction without securing a license. However, even when engaging in fundamental research or teaching, a license may still be required if the activity involves:

• Exchange of export‑controlled information

• Access to export‑controlled technology

• A non‑research activity (such as a service agreement) that provides access to export‑controlled technology

• Access to ITAR‑controlled equipment