Research Scholar
Your research stay in the USA

You do research and want to bring it to the USA? As a Research Scholar you work on a defined research project at a host organization with the J-1 visa, from three weeks up to five years. We sponsor your stay and handle the paperwork, from the DS-2019 to the consulate.

What a Research Scholar is

A Research Scholar conducts research, observes or consults on a clearly defined research project at a US host, from three weeks up to five years. You qualify with a degree at bachelor level or higher and demonstrated research experience, and you are not applying for a permanent or tenure track position. Teaching is allowed as long as research stays at the center.

What you do as a Research Scholar

You conduct research, observe or consult on a clearly defined research project at your host organization in the USA. Unlike an internship, this is not training. It is your own contribution as an experienced researcher, and you may also teach as a secondary activity.

Research at the center

Your plan is a concrete research project with a clear goal. That sets the Research Scholar apart from the Professor, where teaching leads.

Who qualifies as a Research Scholar

  • A completed degree at bachelor level or higher.
  • Demonstrated research experience, for example through publications, projects or an academic career.
  • You are not applying for a permanent or tenure track position at the host. 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, and we confirm your eligibility, free of charge.

Duration and waiting periods

A stay as a Research Scholar runs from three weeks up to five years. Two waiting periods set out in the J-1 program rules apply:

  • Twelve month bar. If you took part in a J program during the twelve months before your planned start, a new participation as a Research Scholar 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 Research Scholar or Professor program, a twenty four month wait applies before you can take part again in either category.

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

  • Universities and colleges
  • Research institutions and laboratories
  • Museums, libraries and archives with a research mandate
  • Research departments of companies and public agencies

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

Direct Registration

USA & UK
Get your visa

Find out in 60 seconds if you meet the criteria and secure your spot.

Which country do you want to go to?

Related: Professor, Specialist and the application process.

Check your eligibility

Your eligibility depends on your background and your plan. Send us your CV and a short description of the planned role, and we confirm the right category, free of charge.

PDF, DOC or DOCX, up to 8 MB.

By submitting, you agree to our privacy policy.

Questions & answers

Yes. Teaching is allowed as a secondary activity, as long as your research project stays at the center. If it is mostly about teaching, the Professor category is the right one.
No. The requirement is a degree at bachelor level or higher together with demonstrated research experience. A doctorate helps, but it is not a fixed condition.
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, not a general overview of other sponsors. 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.