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J-1 Scholar Categories

Tufts University has been designated by the Department of State to operate the BridgeUSA programs -formerly known as the J-1 Exchange Visitor programs- and is authorized to sponsor J-1 scholars in the research scholar, professor, and short-term scholar categories.

Category Descriptions

It is to your benefit to understand your J-1 category. Different rules and regulations apply to each. Contact the International Center if you have any questions regarding your category.

J-1 Research Scholars

  • Research scholars may either be hired as an employee to a research position, or invited to come to Tufts on a self-funded basis to engage in independent research
  • Research scholars may also teach; if teaching becomes the primary activity, they may be eligible to switch to the J-1 professor category
  • Research scholars cannot be hired to permanent positions (e.g., tenure-level faculty or permanent staff)
  • The J-1 program for a research scholar must be a minimum of three weeks and cannot exceed five years

J-1 Professors

  • Professors are persons hired to temporary teaching positions at Tufts, as visiting instructors or professors
  • Professors may also conduct research; if research becomes the primary activity, they may be eligible to switch to the J-1 research scholar category
  • Professors cannot be hired to permanent positions (e.g., tenure-level faculty or permanent staff)
  • The J-1 program for a professor must be a minimum of three weeks and cannot exceed five years

J-1 Short-Term Scholars 

  • Short-term scholars are professors, research scholars, or persons who travel to the US for short-term visits to lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills
  • The J-1 program for a short-term scholar does not have a minimum length but cannot be more than six months

J-1 Specialists 

  • Specialists are experts in a field of specialized knowledge invited to Tufts to observe, consult, or demonstrate special skills in order to foster an exchange of ideas between US and foreign counterparts
  • Specialists must have the academic credentials appropriate to their skill area
  • The J-1 program for a specialist must be a minimum of three weeks and cannot exceed one year
  • Specialists are not permitted to fill long-term or permanent employment positions