Regulations for J-1 Short Term Scholars and Specialists

Short-Term Scholars

1. Definition: A professor, research scholar, specialist, or person with a similar educational background and academic accomplishments, who comes to the United States on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited educational institutions, or similar types of institutions [22 C.F.R.§62.4(b)].
2. Duration of stay:
   • Short-term scholars’ visits generally last between 3 weeks and 6 months.
   • 6 months is the maximum amount of time that a short-term scholar may stay in the U.S.
3. Limitations: Short-term scholars are limited to the activities and locations stated on their DS-2019. Any changes must be approved.
4. Exemptions: Short-term scholars are exempt from the 12- and 24-month bar, due to the short duration of their visits.

Specialists

1. Definition: An expert in a field of specialized knowledge or type of skill, who comes to the United States for the purpose of observing, consulting, or demonstrating his/her professional knowledge and/or skills.[22 C.F.R. §62.4 (g)]. Professors, research and short-term scholars, and alien physicians participating in training programs are NOT classified as specialists (22 C.F.R. §62.26).
2. Duration of stay:
   • The Exchange Visitor Program allows a specialist to stay in the U.S. for the length of time that it takes to complete his/her work.
   • Specialists’ visits, however, are limited to 1 year.
3. Limitations: While in the U.S., specialists may NOT:
   • Fill a permanent or long-term position of employment.
   • Participate in activities or work at locations other than those stated on their DS-2019 Form.