United States · Work visa

J-1 Research Scholar/Professor

For researchers and professors conducting research or teaching at US institutions.

Requirements

Processing time: 2-4 weeks
Validity: Duration of Status: the DS-2019 program dates, within the category’s 5-year maximum, plus 30 days to depart. A DHS rule replacing this with a fixed period of up to 4 years was due on 15 September 2026, but a federal court blocked it nationwide on 14 September 2026 (Presidents’ Alliance v. DHS), pending further order.
Cost: From $405
Required
$185 visa application fee
$220 SEVIS fee
Optional
$250 visa-integrity fee at issuance, if your post already charges it, as DHS is still rolling it out post by post ($250 is the statutory floor before annual inflation adjustments)
Path to residency: If the two-year home-residence rule applies, a waiver may be needed before moving to H-1B or an immigrant route

Form DS-2019
From sponsoring institution
SEVIS fee receipt
I-901 fee payment
CV with publications
Academic credentials
Invitation/offer letter
From research institution
Academic or professional qualification evidence
Credentials required by the sponsor and host; the required degree level depends on the institution and role

Status your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can hold alongside this route. Children can study on it too.

J-2 DependentSpouse can work with a permit

Your spouse can work once a J-2 EAD is granted, but the income cannot be used to support the J-1.

A two-year home-residency requirement on the J-1 also binds the J-2
J-2 visa applicants must set all social-media profiles to public or open for State Department online-presence review