J-1 Categories
Virginia Tech is authorized to offer five J-1 categories for individuals to come to the VT to conduct research, teach, observe, receive training etc. Host faculty should choose one category that fits the background of the potential J-1 exchange visitor and meets the purpose of the visit.
Primary activities: conducting research, observing, and may also teach or lecture.
Permitted length of visit: minimum 3 weeks, maximum 5 years
Education requirement: Bachelor’s degree at minimum
Limitations: 12/24 month bars apply
Primary activities: teaching, lecturing, observing, and may conduct research.
Permitted length of visit: minimum 3 weeks, maximum 5 years
Education requirement: Bachelor’s degree at minimum
Limitations: 12/24 month bars apply
Primary activities: similar to research scholar/professor for short-term lecturing, observing, training, etc.
Permitted length of visit: no minimum stay, maximum 6 months
Education requirement: Bachelor’s degree at minimum
Limitations: none
Primary activities: participating in a structured and guided work-based internship program in his or her specific academic field. Participation in this internship program will fulfill an educational objective for their current degree program at their home institution.
Permitted length of visit: minimum 3 weeks, maximum 1 year
Education requirement: must be currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States or graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to his or her exchange visitor program begin date. Participation in this internship program will fulfill an educational objective for their current degree program at their home institution.
Requirements:
- Internship must consist of a minimum of 32 hours of work per week
- Internship must not consist of more than 20% clerical work
- Internship must NOT consist of clinical, medical, or childcare work and may not involve a staffing agency. Any work that requires the intern to provide therapy, medication, or hands on clinical or medical treatment is absolutely prohibited (this includes human and animal subjects).
- Internship is not used as a substitute for ordinary employment or work purposes and intern does not displace U.S. workers.
- Internship exposes participants to American techniques, methodologies, and technology and expands upon the participants' existing knowledge and skills. Programs must not duplicate the participants' prior work experience or training received elsewhere.
- Interns must be evaluated upon conclusion. Internships of 6+ months must also have mid-point evaluation.
Primary activities: demonstrating special knowledge or skills, consulting or observing (as an expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skills)
Permitted length of visit: minimum 3 weeks, maximum 1 year
Education requirement: none, but must demonstrate qualifications as an expert in a field of specificized knowledge or skills
Limitations: the individual who comes in J-1 Specialist category must not fill a permanent or long-term position of employment while in the U.S.
*The other two J-1 Student categories hosted at Virginia Tech are managed by:
- J-1 degree seeking students – Cranwell International Center international@vt.edu
- J-1 non-degree exchange students – Global Education Office vtabroad@vt.edu.