According to the Department of State, the purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges.
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program brings qualified international faculty, professors, research scholars, specialists and other professionals to the United States to participate in educational and cultural programs.
ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å has been approved by the U.S. Department of State to serve as the visa sponsor for international visitors to participate in research, teaching, consulting and observation at ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å. The Office of International Programs is the official Program Sponsor designated by the Department of State to administer J-1 Exchange Visitor Program at ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å. The Office of International Programs has the responsibility of interpreting and implementing federal regulations that cover the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and administering the program in a manner that fulfills the University’s objectives.
The International Programs Office works with ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å departments and the non-immigrant scholars to determine the most appropriate non-immigrant visa for a particular position. We guide departments and employees through the federal exchange process. Departments interested in bringing foreign nationals to visit ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å should contact the Office of International Programs prior to their visit.
ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å has been approved for the following Exchange Visitor categories:
Professor
A professor is an individual teaching, lecturing, observing or consulting. A professor may also conduct research, unless disallowed by the sponsor.
- Minimum stay of three weeks required
- Maximum stay of five years
Research Scholar
A research scholar is an individual conducting research, observing or consulting in connection with a research project. A research scholar may also teach or lecture, unless disallowed by the sponsor.
- Minimum stay of three weeks required
- Maximum stay of five years
Short-term Scholar
A short-term scholar is an individual coming to the U.S. for a period of up to six months to lecture, observe, consult and participate in seminars, workshops, conferences, study tours, professional meetings or similar types of educational and professional activities.
- No minimum stay required
- Maximum stay of six months (NOTE: no extensions beyond six months under any circumstances)
Specialist
A specialist is a world-renown expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skill coming to the U.S. to demonstrate his/her special knowledge/skills, observe or consult.
- Minimum stay of three weeks required
- Maximum stay of 12 months
For more information, please contact the Office of International Programs atÌýinternational@ut.edu.
