J-1 Visa Categories

J-1 professors primarily teach, lecture, observe, or consult. Their duration of stay in the United States ranges from three weeks to five years.

J-1 research scholars conduct research, observe, or consult in connection with a research project/projects. Their duration of stay also ranges from three weeks to five years.

More information about J-1 professors and research scholars:

• J status may not be used for tenure-track positions.
• These positions may be paid or unpaid. Foreign university employees who are on sabbatical often pursue these categories. Outside funding or personal funding is acceptable.
• OIS processes the DS-2019 immigration document after receiving an electronic application (e-form) from the host department.
• Previous time that you have spent in J status may affect your eligibility to begin a new J-1 professor or research scholar program.
• Participants may be subject to a two-year home residency requirement.
• J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for work authorization. Work authorization provides a way for dependents to continue to pursue their careers while the J-1 is at IU. J-2 dependents may also study full time or part time.

J-1 short-term scholars come to IU to lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills. They may stay in the United States for a maximum of six months.

More information about J-1 short-term scholars:

• These short-term visits may be paid or unpaid. Foreign university employees who are on sabbatical often pursue this category for short-term visits.
• OIS processes the DS-2019 immigration document after receiving an electronic application (e-form) from the host department.
• Is appropriate for university administrative and professional staff delegations from partner institutions coming to IU to collaborate on exchange agreements.
• Participants may be subject to a two-year home residence requirement.
• J-2 dependents may be eligible to apply for work authorization. Work authorization provides a way for dependents to continue to pursue their careers while the J-1 is at IU. J-2 dependents are also eligible to take IU courses full time or part time.

J-1 specialists are experts in a field of specialized knowledge who come to the United States to observe, consult, or demonstrate special skills. They may stay in the United States for a maximum of one year.

J-1 student interns are engaged in full-time study at an institution outside of the United States. They participate in an internship program here to fulfill an educational objective for a degree program in their home country.

See our information for J-1 student interns