The U.S. Department of State’s J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program provides multiple options for foreign nationals to experience the United States through temporary study or work-related objectives. In any given month, there are 170,000 exchange visitors in the U.S.
The program promotes the exchange of ideas and increased mutual understanding between Americans and people from other countries. Closer ties between nations develop as exchange visitors return home and share their experiences.
As a U.S. Department of State–designated J-1 visa sponsor, IREX has 45 years of experience helping host institutions and organizations develop customized exchange programs across diverse research disciplines.
What are J-1 Research Scholars and Short-Term Scholars?
J-1 Research Scholars and Short-Term Scholars are two research-focused exchange visitor categories for which IREX is an authorized visa sponsor. They are designed to facilitate an exchange of knowledge, skills, and culture between scholars and institutions in the context of a research collaboration.
Exchange visitors and their U.S. counterparts report mutual benefits from the program, such as gaining cutting-edge skills, fresh perspectives on scientific problems, and lasting relationships with professionals, institutions, and laboratories around the world.
IREX facilitates a variety of opportunities for exchange visitors to:
- Collaborate or consult as a guest scientist on long-term or short-term research projects
- Participate in postdoctoral programs, research-based training, or academic seminars
- Build linkages with U.S. research teams
- Teach a course while conducting research at an accredited U.S. college or university