Once you have obtained short-term research scholar or professor status at OHIO, you must comply with specific requirements and regulations to maintain your status as a J scholar.
Research Scholar and Professor Visa
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.
Category Details
Specific details apply to individuals with a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa:
- 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
Research Scholar and Professor Category Special Conditions
Some J-1 Exchange Visitors (and their dependents) may be subject to special conditions. It’s important to note that 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.
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.
When Is a J Scholar Subject to a 212(e)?
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
Can I Waive the Two-Year Home Residence Requirement?
In some circumstances it is possible to request a waiver of the Two Year Home Residence Requirement. The ISSS team is not able to advise on this process.
You can find additional details and instructions on the Department of State website.