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 |