Host a Visiting Scholar

The Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) authorized by the Department of State (DOS) is the program title for the J-1 visa status. This program is used for a variety of educational purposes, including invitations for scholars, professors, researchers, and short-term scholars to the U.S. to pursue temporary educational activities under the sponsorship of NEOMED.

Length of Stay

The maximum length of program for J-1 exchange visitors in the Research Scholar and Professor category is five years. The five-year maximum stay for a J-1 research scholar/professor is not counted in the aggregate.

The five year “clock” begins with the start date on the DS-2019 form and this status remains available until the end of five years or the date the J-1 program is concluded, whichever is earlier.

Process

Plans to invite a J-1 must begin early as it may take between 4-16 weeks to apply for a J-1 visa and enter the United States.

Download the NEOMED J-1 Application

Considerations & Requirements

When thinking about hosting a visiting scholar you should consider the following:

Restrictions

J-1 Exchange Visitor status may not be used for:

1. employment of persons in non-academic staff positions;
2. tenure- track or tenured faculty appointments; orinternational medical graduates who will be engaging in clinical activities, including training.

Potential Full-Time Permanent Employees

Departments may not submit a J-1 DS-2019 application for potential full-time permanent employees who must go through the hiring process with NEOMED’s Human Resources Department. Those must apply for an H-1B.

Exceeding 5 Years

Visitors who intend to work longer than five years should apply for an H1-B visa.

Working Off-Campus

All work must be completed on NEOMED campus. Work at an off-campus location is permitted on a case by case basis; and must always be in compliance with NEOMED’s policies and procedures.

Reporting Events

All events pertaining to the J-1’s stay at NEOMED must be reported immediately to the Global Engagement Office (Library L – 214) including arrivals, extensions, transfers, departures, and termination of the program.

Medical Insurance

All J-1 and J-2 (their dependents) are required by law to have medical insurance that meets the standards of the Department of State including Medical Evacuation and Repatriation.

Transfer

Any J-1 who wishes to transfer to NEOMED must get released from current sponsor and must maintain the original program objective as stated on the initial DS-2019.

Feasibility Considerations

To avoid common problems experienced by Exchange Visitors, departments should ascertain the J-1’s financial capability, English language ability, and the department’s ability to provide support services to the J-1 scholar.

Host Responsibilities

The host department is responsible to help orient the Exchange Visitor to the university and to the community. This should include finding housing, banking services, public school information (for dependents), etc.