Office of International Student & Scholar Services

J-1 Exchange Visitor Classification

This classification is used for those intending to participate in an approved work or study-based exchange program in the USA. The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to Exchange Visitors.

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) requires that J-1 Exchange Visitors (EVs) are assigned a category which reflects the intended academic activities on campus. The EV categories at The University of Toledo are as follows:

• Professor
• Research Scholar
• Short-Term Scholar
• Student

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Category Descriptions

Professor

• Category used for primarily teaching, lecturing, observing or consulting. May also conduct research.
• Length of Stay: Minimum 3 weeks--Maximum 5 years (can be extended during program--maximum 5 years still applies)
• Subject to 24 Month Bar on Repeat Participation*
• May study part time simultaneously but cannot be a full-time student

Research Scholar

• Category used for primarily conducting research, observing or consulting in connection with a research project. May also teach or lecture in the related field.
• Length of Stay: Minimum 3 weeks--Maximum 5 years (can be extended during program--maximum 5 years still applies)
• Subject to 24 Month Bar on Repeat Participation*
• May study part time simultaneously but cannot be a full-time student

Short-term Scholar

• Category used for a professor, research scholar or person with similar education or accomplishments coming on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training or demonstrating special skills.
• Length of Stay: No Minimum--Maximum 6 months (no extensions possible during program)
• Not Subject to 24 Month Bar on Repeat Participation*
• May study part time simultaneously but cannot be a full-time student

Student

• Category used for pursuing full-time studies leading to or culminating in the award of a U.S. degree from a post-secondary accredited educational institution or pursuing full-time studies in a prescribed program/course leading to a degree earned at a foreign institution of higher learning.
• Length of Stay: No minimum--Maximum 2 years
• Subject to 12 Month Bar on Repeat Participation if in student category for more than 6 months*
• Students are only hosted through academic exchange programs, never departments.

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*Bar on Repeat Participation

A bar on repeat participation prohibits exchange visitors from beginning a new program in the Research Scholar or Professor categories.

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Two-Year Home Residence Requirement (212(e))

Any category can be subject to the two-year home residence 212(e) requirement, which does not allow those who come to the U.S. in J-1 status to become permanent residents in the U.S., change status in the U.S., or get work or family-based visa status such as H, L or K until they return to their country of last permanent residence for at least two years cumulatively.

The 212(e) requirement only applies to those in J-1 Status and their J-2 Dependents in specific circumstances.  Read more about who is subject to the two-year home residence requirement at the U.S. Department of State Travel webpage.

In some circumstances the 212(e) requirement can be waived.  Read about waivers at U.S. Department of State Travel webpage.

Learn more about J-1 Exchange visitors at the USCIS Exchange visitors page.  

Or contact OISSS at 419-530-4229 to speak to member of our team.