J-1 Short -Term Scholar:

A professor, research scholar, specialist, or person with similar education or accomplishments coming to the U.S. for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills. Details about the Short -Term Scholar category:

• appointments from one day to six months in length
• program cannot be extended beyond six months
• not subject to the 12 or 24-month bar on repeat participation
• individual may be subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement
   

J-1 Research Scholar:

An individual primarily conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project; is also allowed to teach or lecture. Details about the Research Scholar category:

• appointments of 3 weeks to 5 years in duration
• program length not to exceed 5 years
• individual who participates in this category becomes subject to the 24-month bar on repeat participation after completing his/her program
• individual may be subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement
   

J-1 Professor:

An individual concerned primarily with teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting; is allowed to conduct research. Details about the Professor category:

• appointments of 3 weeks to 5 years in duration
• program length not to exceed 5 years
• individual who participates in this category becomes subject to the 24-month bar on repeat participation after completing his/her program
• individual may be subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement