Information and Eligibility

Short-Term Scholars are foreign nationals entering the U.S. for a short-term visit to lecture, observe, consult, train or demonstrate special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited academic institutions or other similar institutions. Short-Term Scholars are professors, research scholars or someone with similar educational background entering the U.S. for a short (up to 6 month) visit. 

Basic Participant Eligibility Requirements

• Must not be a tenure track position candidate.

• Must have a proper level of expertise as per their academic and professional activities. 

• Program is up to 6 months long and is at least 32 hours a week.

• Current J-1 Research Scholar, foreign national and experts in Research and Development, F-1 graduate, former Research Intern or Trainee, foreign employee or new hire in Research and Development or non-U.S. PhD Fellows. 

Program Goal

The J-1 Research Scholar visa simplifies the process for companies and institutions to bring in professionals from around the world to support and accelerate their research and development efforts on a short-term basis. 

J-2 Sponsorship for Family Members

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age are eligible to accompany a J-1 exchange visitor on a J-2 dependent visa. Each dependent must be sponsored for a J-2 Visa and must have his or her own DS-2019 form issued by SHRM. All non-Canadian citizens must also apply for a J-2 Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. 

U.S. Host Organization Size and Responsibilities

• Must be U.S. -based with a physical U.S. location 

• Must have the resources to host. 

• Must be engaged in research and development initiatives. 

• Must provide cultural exchange opportunities, supervision and program evaluations. 

• Must offer a position that is in line with the participant’s professional and educational background. 

Insurance Coverage

Every individual participating in the Exchange Visitor Program must have insurance coverage that meets the criteria set forth in the U.S. Federal Regulations for the J-1 program. All participants must be covered by an acceptable insurance policy that includes coverage for medical care, medical evacuation and repatriation for the entire duration of their program. 

• Medical Insurance Coverage: $100,000 per accident or illness*;

• Expatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000;

• Medical Evacuation: $50,000;

• Deductible per accident or illness not to exceed $500; and

• Co-insurance not to exceed 25 percent per accident or illness.

In addition, the insurance policy, plan or contract must also, at a minimum, be:

• Underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of "A−" or above; a McGraw Hill Financial/Standard & Poor's Claims-paying Ability rating of "A−" or above; a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of "B+" or above; a Fitch Ratings, Inc. rating of "A−" or above; a Moody's Investor Services rating of "A3" or above; or such other rating as the Department of State may from time to time specify; or

• Backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor's home country; or

• Offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified health maintenance organization or eligible competitive medical plan as determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Per federal regulations, failure to maintain sufficient insurance for the entire duration of the program will result in an automatic termination of the J-1 program. 
 
If a Short-Term Scholar will not be covered under his or her host organization's or foreign employer's insurance policy, or if the provided coverage does not meet or exceed the U.S. Department of State requirements listed above, they may obtain their own insurance (as well as insurance for any dependents). SHRM offers medical insurance coverage for J-1 program participants that meets the U.S. Federal Regulations. 

STEM Research Initiative

• U.S. Department of State’s STEM Research Initiative

• ResearcherUSA.com acts as a comprehensive resource for the Research Scholar category of the J-1 visa program, offering a thorough overview of the program, highlighting its benefits, and providing practical advice on how to participate.

• STEMTalentConnect.com is a specialized career platform that connects U.S. companies, universities, and institutions with global STEM talent.