Professor
Teach and research in the USA

You teach and want to bring your experience to a host institution in the USA? As a Professor you teach at an accredited institution with the J-1 visa, give lectures, consult and may also do research. From three weeks up to five years. We sponsor your stay and guide you through every step, from the DS-2019 to the consulate.

What you do as a Professor

As a Professor you teach, give lectures, observe or consult at an accredited academic institution in the USA. You may also do research, as long as teaching stays at the center. You bring your experience as an educator into the academic life of your host organization.

Teaching at the center

For the Professor, teaching leads. For the Research Scholar, research leads. Each may also do the other. Eligibility and waiting periods are the same in both categories.

Who qualifies as a Professor

  • A completed degree at bachelor level or higher.
  • Demonstrated teaching experience, for example at a university, college or comparable institution.
  • You are not applying for a permanent or tenure track position at the host organization. The program is a temporary exchange, not permanent employment.

Not sure your profile fits? Send us your CV and a short description of the planned role. We confirm your eligibility, free of charge.

Duration and waiting periods

A stay as a Professor runs from three weeks up to five years. The same two waiting periods apply as for the Research Scholar:

  • Twelve month bar. If you took part in a J program during the twelve months before your planned start, a new participation as a Professor is usually barred. Exceptions include a prior J participation shorter than six months, a prior Short-Term Scholar category, or a transfer from an active Research Scholar program.
  • Twenty four month repeat bar. After completing a Professor or Research Scholar program, a twenty four month wait applies before you can take part again in either of these two categories.

These waiting periods are not the same as the home residence requirement under 212(e), which is a separate topic. We check in advance which rules apply to your profile.

Possible hosts

Hosts are accredited academic institutions:

  • Universities and colleges
  • Community colleges and higher education institutions
  • Accredited research and teaching institutions

If you already have a confirmation, we move straight to the review. If you are still searching, talk to us about the timing.

How to check your eligibility

The first step is always a free eligibility check. You send us your CV and a short description of the planned role at your host organization. We confirm the right category and then guide you through the application, the DS-2019 and the consulate.

Direct Registration

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For the Professor, teaching is at the center. For the Research Scholar, research is. Each may also do the other. Eligibility and the waiting periods are the same in both categories.
Yes. The host organization must be an accredited academic institution. If you are unsure whether your preferred institution qualifies, we check that during the eligibility review.
The VisaNerd price depends on the duration, from 3,900 euros up to 10,000 euros for five years. It includes the DS-2019, the SEVIS fee, a compliant health insurance, consulate preparation and our support. The consulate visa fee is separate.
Yes. A spouse and children can apply for a J-2 visa. We plan that together with your application.

At VisaNerd we sponsor strictly within the rules of the US Department of State (22 CFR 62.20) and current BridgeUSA guidance. What you read here is how we actually sponsor and what we require. It is practical guidance from our team, not legal advice; we confirm your eligibility as your sponsor contact, and the final visa decision rests with the US consular officer.