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J-1 Visa Types

This page outlines the four J-1 visa categories Northwestern University is authorized to use. OISS will make the final decision on which category the J-1 Exchange Visitor receives by reviewing the information provided in the DS-2019 Request.

Short-Term

Duration of U.S. Visit

1 day - 6 months

Examples of NU Position

  • Visiting Scholar
  • Visiting Pre-Doctoral Fellow
  • Specialized non-research, non-staff position

Purpose of Visit

  • Teach
  • Observe
  • Consult
  • Train staff
  • Demonstrate special skill(s)

Position in Home Country

  • Professor
  • Researcher
  • Post-doc or Pre-doc/ Graduate Students
  • Similar credentials (Doctors, attorneys, etc.)

Return in category?

Yes, unlimited

Research

Duration of U.S. Visit

3 weeks - 5 years

Examples of NU Position

  • Postdoctoral Fellow
  • Research Associate
  • Visiting Scholar
  • Visiting Pre-Doctoral Fellow

Purpose of Visit

  • Research
  • Observe
  • Consult
  • Teach

Position in Home Country

  • Professor
  • Researcher
  • Post-doc or Pre-doc/Graduate Students
  • Similar credentials (Doctors, attorneys, etc.)

Return in category?

No, 24 Month Bar

Professor

Duration of U.S. Visit

3 weeks - 5 years

Examples of NU Position

  • Lecturer
  • Visiting Faculty
  • Visiting Scholar

Purpose of Visit

  • Teach (primary)
  • Observe
  • Consult
  • Research

Position in Home Country

  • Professor
  • Researcher
  • Post-doc or Pre-doc/Graduate Students
  • Similar credentials (Doctors, attorneys, etc.)

Return in category?

No, 24 Month Bar

Student Intern

Duration of U.S. Visit

1 day - 12 months

Examples of NU Position

Intern

Purpose of Visit

Participate in structured internship program

Position in Home Country

Student

Return in category?

Yes, in different internship program