J-1 Scholar Categories
A description, including the requirements, of each of the three J-1 visa categories
utilized by UCSB is provided to help scholars select the one that best matches their
intended academic visit.
Short-Term Scholar
The Short-Term Scholar category is used by professors, research
scholars, specialists or people with similar education or accomplishments who come
to the United States on a short-term (6 months or less) for the purpose of lecturing,
observing, consulting, training or demonstrating special skills at universities
and similar institutions.
- Period of validity ranges from a minimum of 1 day to
a maximum period of 6 months.
- Extensions beyond 6 months are not permitted for
this category.
- The Short-Term Scholar Category can be used multiple times.
- The
12 month bar and the 24 month bar on repeat participation do not apply to the Short-Term
Scholar Category.
- 212(E) Two Year Home Residency Requirement may apply.
Research
Scholar and Professor
The Research Scholar and Professor categories are nearly identical
and differ as to whether the visitor’s primary academic intent is to conduct research
or teach. A Research Scholar may also teach or lecture in conjunction with their
research activities if allowed by the sponsoring department. A Professor may also
conduct research in conjunction with their teaching if allowed by the sponsoring
department.
- The period of validity for these categories ranges from a 3 week minimum
to a maximum of five years.
- Once a Research Scholar or Professor completes their
J-1 program, they may not return to the United States in the Research Scholar or
Professor categories for 24 months.
- The 212(E) Two Year Home Residency Requirement may apply.