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Visiting Scholar Visa Sponsorship (J-1 Exchange Programs)

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH & EXCHANGES

Foundation Rolling (Quarterly)
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

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

Overview: 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.

Program Categories:

    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

    Contact: jvisaexchange@irex.org

    How to Apply

    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
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