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Research Scholar and Professor: Category Details

The Research Scholar and Professor Categories

The J-1 Exchange Visitor non-immigrant visa was created for individuals approved to participate in exchange programs in the United States. Ohio University has permission to issue visa paperwork for a number of exchange visitor categories. The Research Scholar and Professor categories are generally used for long-term visits to the university for the purposes of academic exchange and collaboration.

The following are some of the details of these categories.

  • Minimum duration is three weeks
  • Maximum duration is 5 years
  • The visitor must be invited by a host department
  • The visitor may be paid by the university, or may bring funding from other sources
  • Extensions of the program are possible, up to the 5-year maximum
  • Visitors may request to transfer their program to another institution, provided the primary objective has not changed
  • This visa cannot be used for tenure-track positions

Special Conditions on the Research Scholar and Professor Categories

Two Year Home Residence Requirement

Some J-1 Exchange Visitors (and their dependents) will be subject to the Two Year Home Residence Requirement, also known as INA 212(e). If subject, this rule requires the J visa holder to spend a total of two years in their home country before becoming eligible to obtain H, K, or L visa status, or to become a Permanent Resident of the U.S. It also prevents exchange visitors from applying for a change of status within the U.S.

There are several ways that a J scholar may become subject to the 212(e):

  • The J program is financed directly by the U.S. government
  • The J program is financed by the visitor’s home government
  • The exchange visitor’s country and field are designated on the Exchange Visitor Skills List

In some circumstances it is possible to request a waiver of the Two Year Home Residence Requirement. ISSS is not able to advise on this process. Details and instructions can be found on the Department of State website.

Twelve Month Bar on Repeat Participation

This rule prohibits those who previously held any J visa status (except for the short-term scholar) from starting a Research Scholar or Professor J-1 program until 12 months have passed from the end of the original program. There is no way to waive this limit.

Twenty-Four Month Bar on Repeat Participation

This rule prohibits those who previously held J-1 Research Scholar or Professor status from starting a new Research Scholar or Professor J-1 program until 24 months have passed from the end of the original program. There is no way to waive this limit.

This rule should not be confused with the Two Year Home Residence Requirement. They are two separate rules that can be applied simultaneously.

Important Note

These rules do not prohibit all future visas in the U.S. Each rule has very specific limitations. For example, none of these rules would prevent someone from returning to the U.S. as a student or a visitor. If you are considering how your current status may impact your future plans, please schedule an appointment to talk with an ISSS advisor. We can help you determine what impact, if any, these rules may have.