Visa Categories
J-1 Exchange Visitors Visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor program allows foreign researchers to travel to the United States to promote the exchange of ideas, research, mutual enrichment, and linkages between research and academic institutions in the United States and foreign countries.
J-1 Exchange Visitors' Positions
Thomas Jefferson University is authorized to sponsor J-1 Research Scholar, J-1 Short-Term Scholar, J-1 Professor, and J-1 Student Intern.
| J-1 Exchange Visitor Category | Description | Minimum & Maximum Program Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Research Scholar | An individual whose primary purpose is to perform research, observe, or consult in connection with a research project This category is appropriate for positions that are temporary in nature and require higher skills of research and autonomy |
A minimum of 3 weeks and up to a total of 5 years |
| Short-Term Scholar | An individual who can lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills This category is appropriate for positions that are temporary in nature and require higher skills of research and autonomy |
A minimum of 1 day to a maximum of 6 months |
| Professor | An individual whose primary purpose is to teach, lecture, observe, or consult The professor may also engage in research and participate in occasional lectures if authorized by the program sponsor. Only temporary non-tenure track teaching and research positions are available for this category |
A minimum of 3 weeks and up to a total of 5 years |
| Student-Intern | College and university students can participate in a non-clinical, structured, work‐based learning program in their chosen occupational field The internship must be full‐time and consist of a minimum of 32 hours per week |
A minimum of 3 weeks up to a maximum of 12 months |
Jefferson Approved Positions in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
Please review the information below to understand the Jefferson-approved positions under the J-1 Exchange Visitor program. For further inquiries, send an email to ois@jefferson.edu.
This category supports a paid research position at Jefferson or Jefferson affiliates. It is noted that J-1 is not an employment visa as it should be used to support skill improvement and participation in the exchange of ideas. Approved positions are Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Assistant I & II, and Research Associate.
An individual (a student or otherwise) who is not employed elsewhere and meets the definition of a volunteer per Jefferson policy. A Volunteer may perform certain research for the benefit of the Volunteer and may be assigned to a lab. The maximum length of stay is three (3) months, and it will be processed as a J-1 Short-Term Scholar. Observerships are not permitted for research labs. Research Volunteer request goes through the Office of Research Integrity, Conduct, and Compliance’s review.
A Visiting Scientist is an individual employed by or receiving stipends from their employing university or company and authorized by their employer to conduct research at Jefferson. A Visiting Scientist is not an employee of Jefferson. The position is categorized as an external employee. A Visiting Scientist Agreement (VSA) or other appropriate research agreement is required. Dual appointments between two Jefferson departments are not permitted. The Visiting Scientist Agreement process is overseen by the Office of Research Integrity, Conduct, and Compliance.
Please carefully read the links below to learn more about obtaining your J-1 Exchange Visitor visa and maintaining your J-1 Exchange Visitor status.