UMD: A Globally Connected University

J-1 Scholar Eligibility

J-1 Scholar Eligibility

The J-1 Scholar category at University of Maryland is used by academic departments to bring in international Exchange Visitors as researchers, short-term scholars and visiting professors. The J-1 status is appropriate for most research scholars and for temporary faculty who do not hold permanent, tenure or tenure-track positions. Examples of temporary faculty include post-doctoral associate, faculty assistant, and visiting scientist and visiting professor. 

An individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing or consulting at a post-secondary accredited educational institution

Category & Primary Activity

Eligibility

Length of Stay & Repeat Participation
Research Scholar

An individual primarily conducting research, observing or consulting in connection with a research project at a post-secondary accredited educational institution.

 

- Scholar must hold minimum of a Bachelor's degree

- Academic positions to conduct research or teach. No staff positions.

- Full time

- Temporary positions, e.g., post-doctoral associate, faculty assistant, visiting scientist, and visiting professor. No tenure track or permanent positions

- Minimum funding of $39,831/year

    - 3 week minimum

    - Maximum of 5 years, includes time spent at another institution in J-1 status

    - 24 month bar on repeat participation

    - 12 month bar on J-1 participation
      Professor

      An individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing or consulting at a post-secondary accredited educational institution.
      Short-term scholar

      A professor or research scholar coming to the United States on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training or demonstrating special skills at post-secondary accredited educational institutions.

      - No minimum length of stay.

      - Maximum 6 months. No extension of stay allowed beyond 6 months.
        Specialist

        An individual who is an expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skill coming to the United States for observing, consulting or demonstrating special skill

        - Academic positions to demonstrate a specialized skill.

        - No staff positions.

        - Full time
        Temporary positions, i.e. Visiting Scientist, Visiting Professor. No tenure track or permanent positions

        - Minimum funding of $39,831/year

          - 3 week minimum
          Maximum 1 year.

          - No extension of stay allowed beyond 1 year