United StatesStudy and training
US J-1 research scholar and professor visa
J-1 exchange visitor – professor and research scholar
In short
Academics and researchers invited by a US university, research institute or similar sponsor come on the J-1 professor or research scholar category. A programme can last up to 5 years, family members join on J-2 visas, and some participants must return home for 2 years afterwards.
checked 25 October 2026
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Length of the programme, up to 5 years
- Fee
- US$185Visa fee (none for US government-sponsored exchanges) plus I-901 SEVIS fee of $220 for most J categories ($35 for au pair and some subsidised categories)
- Processing time
- Decided after the interview unless administrative processing is required
- Work
- Only the activities on the DS-2019 with the sponsor; occasional lectures with authorisation
- Family
- Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for J-2 visas
- Path to permanent residence
- Not directly; some J-1s are subject to the 2-year home residence requirement under INA 212(e)
- Where to apply
- A U.S. embassy or consulate, normally in your country of nationality or residence, after receiving the DS-2019
Who qualifies
Professors teach, lecture, observe or consult at post-secondary institutions and may also do research; research scholars conduct research, observe or consult at research institutions, corporate labs, museums or libraries. Both need an invitation and a DS-2019 from a State Department-designated sponsor, enough funding, and English ability adequate for the programme. You cannot be a candidate for a tenure-track position.
Fees and family
Pay the $220 SEVIS fee and the $185 visa fee (no visa fee for US government-sponsored programmes such as Fulbright, whose participants request appointments through the embassy). A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for J-2 visas and J-2 spouses may apply to USCIS for work authorisation.
Duration and repeat participation
The programme may last as long as needed, up to 5 years, and the 5 years run continuously from the start. After completing a programme, former professors and research scholars cannot return in either category for 24 months, and some other J categories also trigger this bar.
Two-year home residence requirement
Some exchange visitors must spend 2 years in their home country after the programme before they can get H, L or K status or a green card (INA 212(e)). It applies, for example, when the programme was funded by the US government or the government of their home country, when the field appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List for that country, or for graduate medical training. The DS-2019 and visa carry a preliminary note; a waiver can be requested from the State Department.
Fixed admission from 15 September 2026
Like students, J-1 visitors admitted under the 2026 DHS rule get a fixed admission period tied to the programme end date, not exceeding 4 years, plus 30 days. Research scholars whose programmes run beyond 4 years must request an extension of stay from USCIS in time.
Documents
Required documents
Identity
- Valid passport, one 5 × 5 cm photo and the DS-160 confirmation page
Money
- I-901 SEVIS fee receipt ($220 for most J programmes)
- Proof you can cover programme and living costs (funding letter, stipend, bank statements)
Study
- Form DS-2019 issued by the designated J-1 sponsor
Supporting documents (where they apply)
Other
- CV, invitation letter and research or training plan
How to apply, step by step
- Obtain an invitation from a US university or research institution with a J-1 sponsor designation.
- Receive Form DS-2019 from the sponsor and pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online.
- Complete the DS-160 and set your social media accounts to public, as instructed for J applicants.
- Pay the $185 visa fee (waived for US government-sponsored programmes) and book the interview through the official appointment service of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.
- Attend the interview with the DS-2019, SEVIS receipt and funding evidence.
- Enter no more than 30 days before the programme start date and check in with your sponsor.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a J-1 research scholar stay?
Up to 5 years in total for the programme, with a fixed admission period on each entry under the 2026 rule.
Can my spouse work on a J-2 visa?
A J-2 spouse can apply to USCIS for employment authorisation on Form I-765.
Will I have to return home for 2 years?
Only if 212(e) applies, for example because of government funding or the Skills List; your DS-2019 and visa show a preliminary assessment.
Official sources
- 22 CFR Part 62 – Exchange Visitor Program
- ICE – I-901 SEVIS fee
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye – NIV: How do I apply?
- 22 CFR 22.1 – Schedule of fees for consular services
- Federal Register – Fixed time period of admission for F, J and I nonimmigrants (final rule, effective 15 September 2026)
- Proclamation 10998 – Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals (Federal Register, govinfo)
- Servicio oficial de citas de visa (México) – Anuncio sobre redes sociales públicas y país de residencia
Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.
Other visa types for the United States
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Maximum stay: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: Set by CBP; an extension can be requested with Form I-539 if treatment continues
- Transit visa Maximum stay: Immediate and continuous transit only; never more than 29 days
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Maximum stay: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Investor visa Maximum stay: Admission normally for up to 2 years at a time, renewable while the business qualifies
Study and training
- Student visa Maximum stay: From 15 September 2026: the programme end date, up to 4 years, plus a 30-day departure period; longer study needs an extension from USCIS
- Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Interns up to 12 months; trainees up to 18 months (12 months in agriculture and hospitality and tourism)
- Au pair visa Maximum stay: 12 months, extendable by 6, 9 or 12 months with State Department approval
Work
- Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years in total
- Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: Initial stay up to 3 years (1 year for a new office); total 7 years for L-1A and 5 for L-1B
- Work visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years initially; extensions in 1-year increments
- Seasonal work visa Maximum stay: Period of the certified need, usually up to 1 year, extendable to a 3-year maximum
Family
- Spouse and partner visa Validity: K-1: 90 days to marry; CR-1: 2-year conditional green card; IR-1: 10-year green card
- Family reunification visa Processing time: Immediate relatives: no queue after petition approval; preference categories: years, depending on the Visa Bulletin
Residence
- Golden visa and residence by investment Validity: Conditional green card for 2 years, then Form I-829 to remove conditions
- Permanent residence Validity: 10-year card (2-year conditional card for recent marriages and EB-5)
Online travel permits
- Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per visit
Faster processing
- Fast-track and priority visa services Processing time: Premium processing: 15 business days for most cases, 30 for I-765 and I-539, 45 for E13 and NIW I-140
Protection
- Asylum and international protection Processing time: No fixed timeline; affirmative cases are interviewed by a USCIS asylum office