Welcome to the University of Michigan! The general purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program is to promote international educational and cultural exchange to develop mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. This section provides the following detailed information for professors, researchers, short-term scholars, and specialists with J-1 visa status.
An exchange visitor must not be a candidate for a tenure-track position.
- J-1 research scholars primarily conduct research, observe, or consult in connection with a research project. The scholar may also teach or lecture.
- J-1 professors primarily teach, lecture, observe, or consult. The professor may also conduct research.
- J-1 short term scholars can be professors, research scholars, specialists, or persons with similar education or accomplishments coming to the U.S. on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills.
- J-1 specialists are individuals who are expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skill who come to the U.S. for observing, consulting or demonstrating those special skills.
Maintaining Status
Maintaining status is necessary to receive the benefits of J-1 status in the future. Failure to maintain your non-immigrant status can result in serious problems with immigration and could lead to deportation from the U.S.
Restrictions
The two year rule (212e) may apply to visitors in any J category. The 24-month bar only applies to J visa holders who enter the U.S. on the Research Scholar or Professor categories or as a J-2 dependent of a J-1 Professor or Research Scholar.
Employment
J-1 scholars may participate in occasional lectures and short-term consultations as long as such activities are approved in advance and in writing. J-2 employment may be authorized for the duration of the J-1's authorized stay.
Travel and Transitions
Vacationing outside the U.S. for 30 days or less in agreement with the department do not require authorization. Leaving temporarily more than 30 days or leaving permanently do require some actions.