How to Invite a Visiting Scholar

Last updated: January 24, 2007

General Information

J-1 Visa - cannot be used for a permanent position.

1. J-1 Short Term Scholar (6 months maximum) No bar
2. J-1 Visiting Scholar (5 years maximum).  But then the J-1 research scholar/professor is barred from returning to the U.S. in the same category for 2 years.

     If you want to hire a scholar for longer than 5 years or for a permanent position, you might want to bring the scholar in on a

H-1B visa (6 years maximum)
TN visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens only (1 year renewable annually)

If you want to hire a student who is graduating in a post-doctoral position:

F-1 visas are eligible for Optional Practical Training
J-1 visas are eligible for Academic Training.

The students should talk to his/her foreign student advisor for help with the paperwork.

Detailed Department Instructions for Requesting an DS-2019 and Form

Word Document Version