Differences among J-1 Research Scholars/Professors, J-1 Short Term Scholars and B-1 Tourist for Business

J-1 Research Scholar or Professor

J-1 Short-term Scholar

B-1/Visa Waiver

Appropriate Activities

Collaborative research, teaching (NOT tenure track), consultation, cultural exchange, observation, demonstration of special skills

Collaborative research, teaching (NOT tenure track), consultation, cultural exchange, observation, demonstration of special skills

Conference attendance, meeting to formalize agreements, independent research (with no benefit to Temple), observation (with no participation)

Length

Minimum: 3 weeks, Maximum 5 years

No minimum, Maximum of 6 months

Generally 6 months for B-1 and 90 days for Visa Waiver; Officer at the Port of Entry has discretion to reduce length

Compensation Options

May receive a salary or other type of payment, or may be self-funded

May receive a salary or other type of payment, or may be self-funded

May receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses related to activities. May receive honorarium ONLY IF the visit at Temple is 9 days or less AND the visitor has not received honoraria from more than 5 other US institutions in the past 6 months

Health Insurance Requirements

Mandatory, policy requirements set by federal regulation

Mandatory, policy requirements set by federal regulation

None, though travel insurance is highly recommended

Social Security Number Eligibility

Eligible

Eligible

Not eligible

Fees for Visitor

$220 SEVIS fee + embassy appointment fees

$220 SEVIS fee + embassy appointment fees

Embassy appointment fees for B-1 visa or ESTA fee for Visa Waiver

ISSS Role

Complete application must be submitted to ISSS, who will prepare visa paperwork within 5 business days

$220 SEVIS fee + embassy appointment fees

No ISSS involvement, host department provides invitation letter

Impact on Future US Travel

Subject to 24 month bar on repeat participation; may be subject to two year home residency requirement

May be subject to two year home residency requirement

None

Spousal benefits

Spouse on J-2 visa is eligible to apply for work authorization

Spouse on J-2 visa is eligible to apply for work authorization, but may not be practical

There are no dependent visa options

Restrictions

Visitor cannot have held J-1 Research Scholar or Professor status within past 24 months (unless transferring active record), cannot have held any J status other than Short-Term Scholar in past 12 months

None

None, but visitor must be sure to obtain B-1 (business) visa, not B-2 (tourist) visa