J-1 Categories

J-1 Categories

ACU is approved to host J-1 Research Scholars, J-1 Professors, 

J-1 Short-Term Scholars and J-1 Students

J-1 Research Scholar

A research scholar is an individual primarily conducting research for 6 months or more, who has not previously participated as a J researcher or professor program within the past 2 years. The research scholar may also teach or lecture, unless disallowed by ACU. 

• A minimum stay of three weeks is required, and a maximum stay of five years is allowed;

• Scholars need to be appointed to a full-time research position at ACU;

• J Scholars will become subject to the 24 Month Bar on Repeat Participation upon the conclusion of the program and may become subject to the 2 Year Home Residency Requirement after participation.

• Enrollment in ACU classes or auditing classes may be permitted as an incidental activity by the department up to the limits allowable by ACU policy
   

J-1 Professor

A professor is an individual primarily engaged in teaching or lecturing for 6 months or more. A professor may also conduct research, unless disallowed by ACU.

• A minimum stay of three weeks is required and a maximum stay of five years is allowed

• Scholars should have a full-time academic appointment at ACU for the duration of J-1 status, or a combination of teaching and research at ACU that comes to full-time. Private or personal research would need to be discussed and approved in advance, since it must comply with the goals and limitations of the J1 visa category.

• Participants will become subject to the 24 Month Bar on Repeat Participation upon the conclusion of the program and may become subject to the 2 Year Home Residency Requirement

• Enrollment in classes or auditing classes may be permitted as an incidental activity by the department up to the limits allowable by ACU policy
   

J-1 Short-Term Scholar

A short-term scholar is an individual coming to the US for a period of up to six months to lecture, observe, consult, and participate in seminars, workshops, conferences, study tours, professional meetings, or similar types of educational and professional activities. 

• No minimum stay is required 

• A maximum allowed stay of six months (NOTE: Extensions beyond six months are not permitted under any circumstances by federal law)

• Participants may become subject to the 2 Year Home Residency Requirement

• Participants will NOT become subject to the 24 Month Bar on Repeat Participation upon the conclusion of the program

Requests to repeat participation as a short-term scholar will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the OISVS and can only be considered if the scholar is returning to complete a different research objective than that of the initial period of J-1 short-term scholar status.