J-1 Research Scholar: What It Is, Who Qualifies, How Long It Lasts
Table of Contents
What Is a J-1 Research Scholar?
A J-1 category for researchers who come to a US university, research institute, museum or library to do research, for up to five years.
Key Takeaways
- For research at US universities, research institutes, museums, libraries and similar institutions.
- Up to five years, counted from the program begin date.
- Not for candidates for a tenure track position.
- Where
- Universities, research institutes, museums, libraries
- Maximum
- 5 years
- Not for
- Tenure track candidates
- Before the program
- 12-Month Bar
- After the program
- 24-Month Bar
Where Research Scholars Work
Sponsors can run programs at research institutions, corporate research facilities, museums, libraries, accredited post-secondary institutions and similar institutions. You carry out the activity at the sites recorded in SEVIS.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.20: Professors and research scholars
Who Can Take Part
You can take part if all of these apply. The DS-2019 is only issued after the host institution has accepted you.
- You are not a candidate for a tenure track position.
- You were not in the US on a J visa during the 12 months before your program start, with exceptions, see 12-Month Bar.
- You are not barred from repeat participation, see 24-Month Bar.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.20: Professors and research scholars
How Long It Lasts
As long as your program needs, up to five years. The five years run continuously from your program begin date in SEVIS, and your sponsor cannot extend beyond them.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.20: Professors and research scholars
Teaching and Occasional Lectures
With the responsible officer's approval, research scholars may also teach and lecture, without a change of category. For occasional paid lectures or consultations elsewhere, the sponsor's written authorization is required.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.20: Professors and research scholars
FAQs
Can a J-1 research scholar teach?
Yes, with the responsible officer's approval. It is not a change of category and does not extend the five years.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.20: Professors and research scholars
How long can a J-1 research scholar stay?
Up to five years from the program begin date in SEVIS.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.20: Professors and research scholars
The Bottom Line
The research scholar category lets you do research at a US institution for up to five years, as long as you are not on a tenure track and not blocked by the 12-month or 24-month bar.
Related Terms
- J-1 ProfessorA J-1 category for academics who come to teach or lecture at a US institution, 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
- DS-2019The Certificate of Eligibility your J-1 sponsor issues. You need it to apply for your visa.more
- Two-Year RuleSome J-1 participants must spend two years in their home country before getting an H or L visa or a green card.more
