J-1 Scholar Categories

The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa supports a variety of academic and professional experiences. UMKC hosts exchange visitors in several categories, each with different eligibility requirements, permitted activities, and length of stay.

J-1 Student

Visa type: Scholar

UMKC hosts international students at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The 12-month bar applies to J-1 students who wish to return in the J-1 professor or research scholar category.

Learn more at the J-1 Student Visa information for current students.

J-1 Research Scholar and Professor

Visa type: Scholar

Research scholars primarily conduct research, observe, and consult. They may also teach or lecture if permitted by the program sponsor. J-1 professors teach, lecture, observe, consult, and conduct research if permitted by the program sponsor. J-1 professors cannot hold tenure-track positions and are considered temporary employees.

Requirements and restrictions

• Minimum credentials: Bachelor's degree or international equivalent
• Permitted activities: Research, teaching, and lecturing
• Length of stay: At least three weeks but no more than five years

If you were previously in the United States in this J-category, contact us to determine your eligibility to return. If you are subject to the 212(e), 12-month, or 24-month bar, you may not be eligible.

J-1 Short-Term Scholar

Visa type: Scholar

Short-term scholars come to the United States for brief visits to lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills.

Requirements and restrictions

• Minimum credentials: Bachelor's degree or international equivalent
• Permitted activities: Lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills
• Length of stay: Maximum of six months with no option to extend

Short-term scholars cannot change status to another category while in the United States.

J-1 Student Intern

Visa type: Student

UMKC hosts international students who are currently enrolled in and pursuing a degree at a postsecondary institution outside the United States. J-1 student interns may not fill permanent or long-term positions of employment.

Requirements and restrictions

• Minimum credentials: Currently enrolled in a degree program outside the United States
• Permitted activities: Internship that fulfills an educational objective at the home institution
• Length of stay: Minimum of three weeks but no longer than 12 months with no option to extend

Student interns must plan to return to their home institution to complete their degree. This category is available only once per degree. Student interns cannot change status to another category while in the United States.