J-1 Scholar Classification

Most “scholars” at BU are sponsored in a J-1 category, as it allows for a variety of academic and research arrangements ranging from short-term unpaid visiting appointments to full-time paid appointments. Please review the outline of J-1 Scholar Rights and Responsibilities.

You will receive a Form DS-2019 from BU once we receive the required department invitation, including academic appointment, biographical, family, and financial documentation.

Positions that are clinical in nature and involve direct patient care (residents, clinical fellowships), as well as technical and administrative positions, do not qualify for J sponsorship at BU. In addition, J scholar categories prohibit tenure-track teaching appointments.

J-1 Scholar Categories

Professor

Eligibility

You must have a research or non-tenure-track teaching appointment at BU and have completed, or be in the process of completing, the equivalent of a US master’s degree.

Length of Permitted Stay

J professors may stay in the US for three weeks up to five years, depending on the activity and affiliation.

Research Scholar

Eligibility

You must have an academic appointment at BU and have completed, or be in the process of completing, the equivalent of a US master’s degree.

Length of Permitted Stay

J research scholars may stay in the US for three weeks up to five years, depending on the activity and affiliation.

Short-Term Scholar

Eligibility

You must have a research or teaching appointment at BU and have completed, or be in the process of completing, the equivalent of a US master’s degree.

Length of Permitted Stay

Up to six months (no minimum)

Specialist

Eligibility

You must have an academic appointment at BU or an invitation from a BU department and must demonstrate expertise related to your intended activity at BU. Specialization may include training in music or art, or professional expertise in athletics, business, language, or another field.

Length of Permitted Stay

Three weeks to one year

Student Intern

Eligibility

You must have an invitation from a BU department and be enrolled in an undergraduate college/university program abroad. This category requires certifications from both the home institution and the sponsoring BU department or faculty member.

Length of Permitted Stay

Up to 12 months (no minimum)

Considerations

Qualifying family members may be eligible for J-2 dependent status. As a scholar in J-1 status, you are admitted to the US for “D/S” (duration of status)—this allows you to continue your academic activity/employment until the end date reflected on your Form DS-2019, as long as you maintain an active academic appointment, legal status, and a SEVIS record in good standing. At the end of your program, J-1 status permits a 30-day grace period for you to prepare for departure from the US.

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is administered by the US Department of State (DOS) and is intended for educational, scientific, and cultural exchange. As a J-1 scholar, you will be expected to return to your home country following your exchange program. In some cases, you may be subject to a two-year home residence requirement. In addition, you may be temporarily barred from returning to the US as a J-1 research scholar or professor.