J-1 Scholars & Student Interns

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program promotes cultural and educational exchange between U.S. citizens and foreign nationals. It provides international students and scholars with opportunities to participate in exchange programs in the U.S. and then return home to share their experiences.

For more information on J-1 categories, click to view our J-1 Exchange Visitor Categories & Application Process Powerpoint.

J-1 Research Scholar/Professor

Limited to a 3 week minimum and 5 year maximum stay to engage in research and/or teaching.
J-1 Research Scholars/Professors may NOT hold or be candidates for tenure.
Must have a specific objective sponsored by SBU, such as to conduct research, teach, or consult.
12/24-month bars may prevent J-1 Research Scholar/Professor sponsorship of those who have previously held a J visa.

J-1 Short-Term Scholar

Limited to a maximum stay of 6 months.
12/24-month bars do not apply to J-1 Short-Term Scholars who wish to return in J-1 Professor/Research Scholar category.

J-1 Specialist

Limited to a maximum stay of 12 months.
J-1 Specialist is often used for non-teaching staff positions.
J-1 Specialists may not fill a permanent or long-term position of employment in the U.S.
12-month bar applies to J-1 Specialists who wish to return in the J-1 Professor/Research Scholar category.

J-1 Student Intern

Limited to a maximum stay of 12 months.
J-1 Student Intern category is meant to host international students who are currently enrolled and pursuing a degree at a postsecondary academic institution outside the United States and whose U.S. internship will fulfill the educational objectives of their current degree program.
J-1 Student Interns may not fill a permanent or long-term position of employment in the U.S.
12-month bar applies to J-1 Student Interns who wish to return in the J-1 Professor/Research Scholar category.
For more details on this category, click here.

J-1 Scholar & Student Intern

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is provided by Visa and Immigration Services as a service solely to the international students and scholars of Stony Brook University. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in this handout. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be considered legal advice or used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel.

E-5310 Frank J. Melville Jr. Memorial Library Stony Brook, NY 11794-3393

Phone: (631) 632-4685 Fax: (631) 632-7064

vis@stonybrook.edu

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