Professors & Scholars - J Exchange Visitor Program

Thank you for your interest in the J Exchange Visitor program. Interested applicants can come on a Professor, Short-Term Scholar, or Specialist designation. Click on the links to the left for more details.

Designation
Description
Duration
Professor An individual primarily engaged in teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting. A professor may also conduct research, but cannot be a candidate for a tenure-accruing position. He or she is subject to the 24-month bar rule.

3 weeks up to
5 years

Short-Term Scholar An individual engaged in lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills. There is no program extension beyond 6 months.

1 day up to
6 months

Specialist

 An individual who is an expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skill.  A specialist can observe, consult, or demonstrate their skill or knowledge. He or she cannot accept a permanent position with the college.

3 weeks up to
1 year

Academic Coursework

There is no regulatory prohibition on a Professor, Specialist, or Short-term Scholar enrolling in academic classes as long as the classes are incidental to his or her primary activity, the participant continues to pursue the program objectives, the program continues to fulfill the objectives of the designated category, and the classes do not become the primary objective. Consultation with  your department  contact and RO/ARO should be undertaken before pursuing a degree program as this is considered a change in status.

24-Month Bar

An Exchange Visitor who participates in a J program as a Professor or Research Scholar (excluding Short-Term Scholar) is barred from returning to the U.S. in the same category for two years (24 months) immediately following the completion of their initial program (including J-2 dependents).