J1 Categories at UCB

J-1 Exchange Visitors at UCB will generally be placed into one of the following categories:

Research Scholar
An individual concerned primarily with conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project and is also allowed to teach or lecture. The research scholar category:

is used for UC Berkeley appointments of 3 weeks to 5 years in duration.
allows for extensions up to the 5 year maximum.
is subject to a 24-month bar on return visits as a J research scholar at the end of the program.
may be able to return to the U.S. in a different J category (such as Short-Term Scholar) or in other visa categories such as F-1, B-1/ B-2, H-1B, WB, or WT (a.k.a. visa waiver program) during the 24-month bar period.

Short-Term Scholar
A professor, research scholar, specialist, or a person with similar education or accomplishments coming to the United States on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills. The short-term category:

is appropriate for appointments less than 6 months in length
cannot be extended beyond 6 months
NOT subject to the 24-month bar on return visits as a J-1 research scholar

Professor
An individual concerned primarily with teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting. J-1 Professors may also participate in departmental research. If the Exchange Visitor will be here primarily to conduct research the Research Scholar category above is more appropriate, even if the individual is a professor in his or her home country. The professor category:

is used for UC Berkeley appointments of 3 weeks to 5 years in duration
allows for extensions up to the 5 year maximum.
is subject to a 24-month bar on return visits as a J research scholar and professor at the end of the program.
may return to the U.S. in J-1 Short-Term Scholar (see below) or in any other visa category such as F-1, B-1/ B-2, H-1B, WB, or WT (a.k.a. visa waiver program) during the 24-month bar period.

Non-degree Student
An individual engaged in a prescribed non-degree academic program with a specific educational objective. Such a course of study may include classroom instruction, and research projects. Exchange Visitors can participate in the Non-Degree Student category for no more than 24 months.

Degree-seeking Student
An individual who has been admitted by the University to obtain a degree. Exchange Visitors in this category can extend their stay in the U.S. until they complete their degree objectives as longs as they maintain valid status. See also J-1 Regulations for more information about this category.

Changing J-1 Categories

J-1 Exchange Visitors are not allowed to change to a different J-1 category within the U.S.; a change of J-1 category is only possible by departing the U.S. and re-entering in the new category. However, there are many risks associated with this process. Speak with an Adviser in Berkeley International Office if you are considering a change in your program objective.


	J-1 Categories at UCB	A-Z Index
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