Visiting Research Scholars Program

Exchange Visitor Program at Hartford International University

Hartford International University (HIU) welcomes international scholars, professors, and J-1 students, both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking, to teach, lecture, study, and engage in research through its U.S. Department of State-approved Exchange Visitor Program. HIU is authorized to sponsor J-1 Research Scholars, Professors, and Students, and proudly welcomes Fulbright scholars as part of its academic community. 

The J-1 Exchange Visitor program was founded as part of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (The Fulbright–Hays Act) and falls under the purview of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Its stated purpose is: "to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange.” The J-1 Exchange Visitor immigration status allows individuals to participate in cross-cultural, academic, and learning experiences in the U.S. with a designated Program Sponsor on a temporary and non-immigrant basis. The Department of State provides more information about the J-1 Exchange Visitor program on its BridgeUSA Website.

You can also read The Exchange Visitor Program Participant Welcome Brochure which contains contact information for the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program. 

J-1 Exchange Visitor Categories 

Research Scholar
An individual primarily engaged in research, observation, or consultation in connection with a research project, who may also teach or lecture. This category: 

  • Is used for appointments of 21 days to 5 years in duration
  • Allows for extensions up to the 5-year maximum
  • Is subject to the 24-month bar on repeat participation in the J-1 Research Scholar or Professor categories
  • May return to the U.S. during the 24-month bar under another J category or nonimmigrant status (e.g., F-1, B-1/B-2, H-1B, or the Visa Waiver Program)
  • May be subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement 
    May enroll in or audit up to one course, though the primary activity must be research 

To begin the process, you will need to complete an application, which consists of two steps: 

  1. J-1 Research Scholar Proposal – This initial step is required to establish an academic relationship between you and a faculty member who would serve as your Academic Advisor.
  2. J-1 Scholar Application – Once your proposal has been approved, you will be invited to complete the J-1 Scholar Application. 

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions as you complete the J-1 Research Scholar Proposal. 

Professor
An individual primarily engaged in teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting. Professors may also participate in departmental research. If research is the primary activity, the Research Scholar category should be used, regardless of the individual’s home-country title. This category: 

  • Is used for appointments of 21 days to 5 years in duration
  • Allows for extensions up to the 5-year maximum
  • Is subject to the 24-month bar on repeat visits in the J Professor or Research Scholar categories
  • May return to the U.S. during the 24-month bar under a different visa classification
  • May be subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement
  • May enroll in or audit up to one course, but the primary activity must be teaching

Student Non-Degree
An individual engaged in a structured academic program with a specific educational objective, which may include coursework and research. This category: 

  • Allows participation for up to 24 months
  • May be subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement
  • Requires that at least 51% of the scholar’s funding come from a non-personal source

Degree-Seeking Student
An individual admitted to the university for the purpose of completing a degree. This category: 

  • Allows scholars to remain in the U.S. as long as they maintain valid status and make progress toward their degree
  • May be subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement
  • Must contact the Office of Admissions for application and enrollment procedures

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