Visiting Scholar – J-1 Exchange Visitor

International Student and Scholar Services is here to assist you with the tasks you need to complete to bring international researchers and faculty to the U.S. for an exchange visit as a J-1 visa holder.

We can help you determine the most appropriate visa option. Please contact us well in advance of the arrival of any international visitor.

Faculty/Staff Visa Type

J-1 Student Non-degree

• Purpose: Visitor is engaged in a prescribed non-degree academic program with a specific educational objective.
• Course of study may involve classroom instruction and research projects.
• Visitor could be subject to the two-year home residence requirement.

J-1 Exchange Visitor: Short-term Scholar

• Purpose: Visitor is conducting research, lecture, training, teaching, lab observations or collaborative research.
• Duration can be between three weeks to six months.
• Visitor could be subject to the two-year home residence requirement.
• Visitor can be paid for services and/or reimbursed for their expenses.
• Visitor must be actively working towards a master's degree or Ph.D., if not already holding the degree. This category is not appropriate for undergraduate students.

J-1 Exchange Visitor: Visiting Professor or Research Scholar

• Purpose: Visitor is conducting collaborative research, teaching and/or engaged in postdoctoral training.
• Duration is more than six months, with a maximum program duration being five years.
• Source of funding can come from a variety of sources such as government, NIU, home institution, international organization or personal funds
• Visitor must be actively working towards a master's degree or Ph.D., if not already holding the degree. This category is not appropriate for undergraduate students.
• Visitor could be subject to the two-year home residence requirement.