J-1 Short-Term Scholar: Academic Visits of Up to Six Months
Table of Contents
What Is a J-1 Short-Term Scholar?
A J-1 category for short academic visits to lecture, observe, consult or take part in conferences and workshops, for up to six months.
Key Takeaways
- For lectures, consultations, conferences, workshops and study tours.
- Up to six months, with no extensions.
- A short-term scholar stay does not trigger the 12-month bar.
- Activities
- Lecture, observe, consult, conferences
- Maximum
- 6 months
- Extensions
- Not allowed
- 12-month bar
- Not triggered
What Short-term Scholars Do
Short-term scholars come to lecture, observe, consult, train or demonstrate special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, accredited post-secondary institutions and similar institutions, and to take part in seminars, workshops, conferences and study tours.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.21: Short-term scholars
How Long It Lasts
As long as the program needs, up to six months. This category does not allow extensions beyond that limit.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.21: Short-term scholars
Where You Can Go
You take part at the events and institutions listed on your DS-2019. For lectures or consultations elsewhere, you need written authorization from your responsible officer, attached to your DS-2019.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.21: Short-term scholars
FAQs
Does a short-term scholar stay count toward the 12-month bar?
No. A stay as a short-term scholar is one of the exceptions to the 12-month bar for professors and research scholars.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.20: Professors and research scholars
The Bottom Line
For a visit of up to six months to lecture or consult, the short-term scholar category is the simple route, and it keeps the door open for a later research stay.
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 ProfessorA J-1 category for academics who come to teach or lecture at a US institution, for up to five years.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
- DS-2019The Certificate of Eligibility your J-1 sponsor issues. You need it to apply for your visa.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
- Visa InterviewThe appointment at a US embassy or consulate where you apply for your J-1 Visa with your DS-2019.more
