J-1 Exchange Visitor

The purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is to promote international educational and cultural exchange, in order to develop mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. OGS Scholar Services sponsors J-1 Exchange Visitors participating in academic research, teaching and consulting at NYU. The J-1 is often used for scholars with official appointments such as visiting faculty, postdoctoral fellows and visiting scholars, as well as other temporary academic appointments. The J-1 visa cannot be used for tenure-track or tenured appointments. For more information on the Exchange Visitor Program, please visit the Department of State website.

NYU sponsors foreign nationals for J-1 Exchange Visitor visas in the following categories: Professor, Research Scholar, Specialist, and Short-term Scholar.

• Professor and Research Scholar: The length of stay is limited to five years, including any previous continuous time spent at other institutions.
• Short-term Scholar: The length of stay is limited to six months, including any previous continuous time spent at other institutions.
• Specialist: The length of stay is limited to one year, including any previous continuous time spent at other institutions. (Rarely used)
  

Eligibility

J-1’s must:

• Have a minimum of a completed Master’s degree or equivalent
• Demonstrate appropriate English language proficiency
• Show proof of financial support (either NYU funds or outside/personal funding) for all expenses. J-1 Scholar must demonstrate a minimum of $2,000 per month, including additional financial support for any accompanying family members
• Maintain health insurance which meets the minimum federal requirements during the entire J-1 period of time of stay.
• Not be appointed to a tenure or tenure-track position (consult with Scholar Services about H-1B status)

In addition, there are certain restrictions that make some individuals ineligible to use the Research Scholar or Professor J-1 category. Please review the details here.