Visiting Scholar Visa Sponsorship (J-1 Exchange Programs)

Visiting Scholar Visa Sponsorship Program

Program Type: J-1 visa sponsorship for international researchers, scientists, and academics

Geographic Scope: Participants from any country eligible to participate

As a designated sponsor of the BridgeUSA Exchange Program, IREX supports foreign researchers, scientists, and academics to obtain exchange visitor (J-1) visas for collaborative research and cultural exchange with U.S. host organizations. Visiting scholars and their U.S. counterparts gain cutting-edge skills and fresh perspectives while building lasting professional relationships.

Research Scholar

• Duration: Up to 5 years
• Eligibility: Must not have held any J visa status for 6+ months in past 12 months. 24-month waiting period required after previous Research Scholar participation
• Activities: Research, consulting, or training in connection with research project at qualified host organizations

Short-Term Scholar

• Duration: Maximum 6 months
• Eligibility: No defined waiting period between programs, but each must have unique objective
• Activities: Research or other academic activities such as seminars, workshops, study tours

J-1 Student

• Customized exchange student programs for postsecondary accredited institutions

What IREX Does NOT Sponsor:

• J-1 Intern programs (outside research-based internships)
• Trainee programs
• Summer Work Travel programs
• Professional J-1 programs outside research
• Host matching services for individuals without host organization

IREX's Sponsor Role:

• Vet and approve applications
• Support and advise participants before and during stay
• Provide expertise in J-1 visa regulations
• Assist with immigration questions and U.S. navigation
• Maintain compliance and reporting to U.S. Department of State
• Issue DS-2019 "Certificate of Eligibility" forms
• Provide pre-arrival information and mandatory J-1 Scholar Orientation
• Assist throughout program with travel, immigration, family sponsorship questions

Experience: IREX has 45 years of experience administering exchange programs across diverse disciplines

Application Process for Visiting Scholars

Timeline: Submit applications at least 6 weeks before desired research start date to allow adequate time for visa process and relocation

Step 1: Foreign researcher and U.S. organization identify collaborative research opportunity and submit application to IREX

• First-time applicants should email jvisaexchange@irex.org to discuss program needs and obtain online portal access
• Application articulates prospective program objectives and qualifications of exchange visitor

Step 2: IREX vets and approves application

• Standard approval: approximately 15 business days
• Optional rush services available for expedited processing (additional fee applies)
• IREX resolves any questions before approval

Step 3: Exchange visitor and host organization sign program contracts within IREX portal

• Contracts define program parameters, roles, and compliance responsibilities of all parties

Step 4: IREX uploads information to SEVIS

• Advises exchange visitor to apply for visa at preferred U.S. embassy

Step 5: DS-2019 issuance

• IREX provides DS-2019 "Certificate of Eligibility" form (required for visa interview and throughout program)

Step 6: Pre-arrival support

• IREX provides pre-arrival information
• Invites exchange visitors to mandatory J-1 Scholar Orientation before program start

Step 7: Program commencement

• Exchange visitor reports arrival to IREX
• Research program begins

Ongoing Support

IREX remains available throughout program to help navigate travel, immigration, family member sponsorship, allowable program changes, and other issues

Required Materials

• Prospective program objectives documentation
• Exchange visitor qualifications and resume
• Host organization information
• Collaboration details and research focus