Types of J-1 scholars

J-1 scholars are participants in an exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

The J-1 scholar program increases mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges. General requirements for eligibility include intent to return to the home country, sufficient funding and health insurance for J-1 scholars and accompanying dependents, appropriate educational background for program activities and adequate English ability.

J-1 scholar types

Short-term scholar

The Short Term Scholar category is suitable for scholars coming to lecture, observe, consult and participate in seminars, workshops or conferences and who will definitely leave the U.S. within six months. It is also suitable for scholars who may come and go to ASU periodically for short visits. Extensions beyond six months are not allowed. This category requires at least a bachelor’s degree.

Professor and research scholar

Scholars in these categories may be invited to collaborate in research projects, teach courses or give lectures or seminars. They may come for visits of up to five years. Renewal is on a yearly basis. These categories require at least a bachelor’s degree.

Specialist

The specialist category is appropriate for scholars coming for visits of up to one year to consult, observe or demonstrate specialized knowledge or skills in which they are experts. Please consult with ISSC for more details if you plan to use this category.

Student non-degree

The J-1 Student Non-Degree category is not to be confused with J-1 students who are enrolled in a degree program at ASU. This category is for a student currently enrolled in a degree program abroad who will not yet have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree by the start of the program, coming to the U.S. to observe, collaborate in research projects, learn special skills, or take full course of study. Please consult with ISSC for more details if you plan to use this category.

Student intern

The J-1 Student Intern category is not to be confused with J-1 students who are enrolled in a degree program at ASU. The J-1 Student Intern refers only to a student currently in a degree program abroad who visits ASU to engage in a research-based internship that is integral to the curriculum of the home-school degree program to which the intern will return. The J-1 Student Intern category is typically used when the student will not yet have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree by the start of the internship. Please consult with ISSC for more details if you plan to use this category.

J-1 Scholar category	Maximum duration
Short-term Scholar	6 months
Professor/Research Scholar	1 year upfront, then extended yearly for a total of 5 consecutive years
Specialist	12 months
Student Non-Degree	2 years
J-1 Student Intern	12 months