Within academia, it is a customary practice to give an invited guest or a visitor a nominal monetary gift, generally at a time when the individual has come to campus to engage in “usual academic activity or activities” during which they share their expertise. Before extending an honorarium to an international visitor, it is important to first understand whether it is legal.
The following individuals are eligible to receive such compensation:
- anyone with unrestricted work permission (US citizens, legal permanent residents, asylees)
- an individual in J-1 status who has received advanced, written permission from the "Responsible Officer" or the "Alternate Responsible Officer" of his/her J program to engage in the activity for which the honorarium will be given
- an individual who entered the United States as a visitor in either B-1/B-2, or visa waiver status [note: if the honorarium is agreed upon prior to travel, the individual must seek admission on a B-1 or VWB (Visa Waiver Business) only]
- does not violate the “9/5/6” rule, which means that the activity does not last longer than 9 days at MSU and the recipient cannot have accepted honorariums or expense reimbursements from more than 5 institutions in the previous 6-month period.
No one else is eligible to receive honoraria payments. Individuals already in the U.S. in some other non-immigrant status are not eligible for honoraria payments unless they have been granted some form of unrestricted employment authorization. This does not mean that MSU cannot invite foreign national speakers from other institutions within the United States to lecture or give presentations. It does mean, however, that MSU will have to pay the individual's employer or sponsor for the honorarium and that institution will be responsible for dispersing the funds to the individual.
Honoraria should be discussed in advance with the MSU Office of Controller and Treasurer and Department of Procurement and Contracts. More information can be found here and here.