J-1 Professor: Teaching in the US on a J-1 Visa
Table of Contents
What Is a J-1 Professor?
A J-1 category for academics who come to teach or lecture at a US institution, for up to five years.
Key Takeaways
- For teaching and lecturing at US institutions.
- Same rules as research scholars: up to five years, no tenure track.
- Professors may also do research with the sponsor's approval.
- Activity
- Teaching and lecturing
- Maximum
- 5 years
- Not for
- Tenure track candidates
- Also allowed
- Research, with approval
Same Rules as Research Scholars
Professors and research scholars share one set of rules: up to five years, no tenure track position, the 12-Month Bar before and the 24-Month Bar after the program.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.20: Professors and research scholars
Research and Teaching
Professors may also carry out research with the responsible officer's approval. This is not a change of category, needs no new DS-2019 and does not extend the five years.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.20: Professors and research scholars
FAQs
Can a J-1 professor take a tenure track position?
No. Candidates for a tenure track position cannot take part as professors or research scholars.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.20: Professors and research scholars
The Bottom Line
The professor category is for teaching at a US institution for up to five years, under the same bars as research scholars.
Related Terms
- J-1 Research ScholarA J-1 category for researchers who come to a US university, research institute, museum or library to do research, for up to five years.more
- J-1 Short-Term ScholarA J-1 category for short academic visits to lecture, observe, consult or take part in conferences and workshops, for up to six months.more
- 12-Month BarA rule that bars you from becoming a J-1 professor or research scholar if you were in the US on a J visa during the 12 months before your program start.more
- 24-Month BarAfter a program as a J-1 professor or research scholar, you cannot start another one in these categories for two years.more
- J-1 SponsorAn organization designated by the US Department of State to run J-1 exchange programs. Every J-1 participant needs one.more
- DS-2019The Certificate of Eligibility your J-1 sponsor issues. You need it to apply for your visa.more
