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All J-1 exchange visitors are classified into one of the
following nine categories:
college/university student
trainee; teacher; professor or research
scholar
short-term scholar
specialist
medical trainee; international visitor; secondary school student.
J-1 student
This status comprises students enrolled in a full course
of study who receive support from scholarships, grants and
sources other than personal or family funds at a U.S. institution.
The J-1 student visa may be valid for the time required to
complete a degree program, or for up to 24 months for non-degree
programs. The visa may be extended upon completion of the
course of study for the student to engage in academic training
for employment related to the field of study.
J-1 professor and scholar
This status is not to exceed five years. Usually, employment not connected with the appointment is not permitted. Reimbursements, honoraria or per diem payments received as a guest lecturer or collaborative researcher, etc. may be undertaken only with prior written approval from the Responsible Officer of the scholar or professor’s exchange program. Generally, persons on other institutions’ J exchange visitor programs must transfer to VCU’s exchange visitor program before beginning employment at VCU.
Note: Physicians may not perform clinical activities in this category of the J visa.
Restrictions on returning in professor or research scholar category
If an individual was in the U.S. during the last 24 months in J status sponsored by any organization (including those not connected with VCU) in the professor or research scholar categories, the OIE is prohibited from issuing a DS-2019 for this person to enter the U.S. in the J-1 professor or research scholar category. The J-1 Exchange Visitor Sponsor form from OIE-IS asks the incoming visitor to list his/her visa history so our office may determine appropriate options.
J-1 short-term scholar
The short-term scholar category is used to bring someone
to the U.S. to observe, lecture, consult, or participate in
conferences or meetings. This status does allow reimbursements,
honoraria or per diem payments received as a guest lecturer,
etc. The maximum time one can be in the U.S. in this category
is six months.
No extension of stay beyond the six-month period is allowed.
See restrictions above for exceptions to returning in professor
or research scholar category.
J-1 specialist
This status should be used to bring a foreign national
who is an expert in a field of specialized knowledge to
observe,
consult or demonstrate special skills — except for
those who may fall into the professor/researcher category
above.
This visa should not be used as a means of general employment.
The regulations prohibit individuals from filling a permanent
or long- term position. The specialist may receive payment
and may remain in the U.S.
for a maximum
of one year.
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