Northern Illinois University
International Student and Scholar Services
Division of International Affairs

ISSS is here to assist you with the tasks you need to complete to bring international researchers and faculty to the United States for an exchange visit as a J-1 visa holder.

We can help you determine the most appropriate visa option. Please contact us well in advance of the arrival of any international visitor.

Faculty/Staff Visa Type

J1 Student Non-Degree

• Purpose: Visitor is engaged in a prescribed non-degree academic program with a specific educational objective
• Course of study may involve classroom instruction and research projects
• Visitor could be subject to the two-year home residence requirement

J1 Exchange Visitor: Short-Term Scholar

• Purpose: Visitor is conducting research, lecture, training, teaching, lab observations or collaborative research.
• Duration can be between three weeks to six months.
• Visitor could be subject to the two-year home residence requirement.
• Visitor can be paid for services and/or reimbursed for their expenses.
• They must be actively working towards master's or Ph.D., if not already holding the degree. This category is not appropriate for undergraduate students.

J1 Exchange Visitor: Visiting Professor or Research Scholar

• Purpose: Visitor is conducting collaborative research, teaching, and/or engaged in postdoctoral training.
• Duration is more than six months, with a maximum program duration being five years.
• Source of funding can come from a variety of sources such as government, NIU, home institution, international organization or personal funds
• Must be actively working towards a master's or Ph.D., if not already holding the degree. This category is not appropriate for undergraduate students.
• Visitor could be subject to the two-year home residence requirement.