AIFS Professional Pathways Expands J-1 Visa Sponsorship to Three New Categories: Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, and Specialist

More opportunities for international research, institutional exchange, and professional collaboration are coming to AIFS Professional Pathways!

AIFS is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of State has authorized our organization to sponsor three additional J-1 Exchange Visitor Program categories: Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, and Specialist.

This expansion allows AIFS Professional Pathways to support skilled international researchers, academics, and professionals looking to share their expertise and gain valuable experience in the United States. It also creates new opportunities for U.S. universities, corporation research facilities, and other eligible institutions to welcome international talent and strengthen global collaboration.

Learn what approval in these three new J-1 visa sponsorship categories means for international participants and U.S. organizations.

Explore Our New J-1 Visa Sponsorship Categories

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program promotes educational and cultural exchange between the United States and countries around the world. Each of our three new sponsorship categories will offer a different pathway for international professionals and U.S. host organizations to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another.

J-1 Research Scholar: Advance Research and Academic Collaboration

The J-1 Research Scholar visa category allows eligible international researchers and academics to conduct research at approved U.S. institutions, such as universities, museums, libraries, and corporate research facilities. Participants may pursue activities including research, observation, consultation, and periodic lecturing in areas related to their expertise.

Research Scholars can collaborate with American colleagues, explore new research methods, and contribute their expertise to the projects and products their host institutions are pursuing. Programs may last up to five years, subject to continued eligibility and bona fide research activities.

For U.S. research institutions and facilities, the Research Scholar program offers an opportunity to strengthen international partnerships, exchange knowledge, and advance innovation by bringing new perspectives and expertise to ongoing research.

J-1 Short-Term Scholar: Share Knowledge Through Short-Term Exchange

The J-1 Short-Term Scholar visa category is designed for international professors, researchers, and other qualified individuals participating in temporary academic or professional exchanges in the United States.

Whether delivering lectures or trainings, observing or attending meetings, participating in workshops or educational travel, consulting with colleagues or conducting research activities, Short-Term Scholars can engage with eligible U.S. host organizations for up to six months.

This category is particularly well suited for universities, research institutions, libraries, museums, and corporate research facilities looking to host visiting academics and researchers for a specific project, program, or collaborative activity.

J-1 Specialist: Bring Specialized Expertise Across Borders

The J-1 Specialist visa category allows international professionals with specialized knowledge or skills to visit the United States to observe, consult, or demonstrate their expertise.

Specialists may participate in these positions for up to one year, sharing specialized skills, techniques, and professional knowledge with eligible U.S. organizations while gaining exposure to American professional practices and culture.

Organizations that are eligible to host Specialists may include scientific institutions, government agencies, museums, corporations, libraries, and similar institutions. Meanwhile, Specialists may impact a breadth of expertise ranging from science and technology to media, law practices to cultural exhibitions, and beyond.

For U.S. host organizations, the Specialist program provides access to international expertise that can support local professional and business development, advance technical initiatives, and foster cross-cultural exchange.

Expanding Opportunities for International Exchange

As a designated J-1 visa sponsor, AIFS Professional Pathways helps highly skilled international participants compliantly pursue meaningful professional and cultural exchange opportunities in the United States.

Building on our existing J-1 Intern, Trainee, and Teacher programs, these three new categories allow us to serve an even broader range of international professionals and U.S. host organizations. AIFS is also an experienced J-1 sponsor in the Au Pair, Camp Counselor, and High School exchange categories.

For host organizations, the expansion provides new pathways to engage international researchers and professionals with specialized knowledge and expertise. For participants, it expands access to ground-breaking research, education, and professional exchange opportunities in the U.S.

Interested in making the J-1 process straightforward? Our team is here to support all parties throughout the process by confirming eligibility, navigating visa requirements, issuing necessary federal documents, and acting as a resource for participants at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our New J-1 Visa Categories

Does AIFS Professional Pathways sponsor J-1 Research Scholars, Short-Term Scholars, and Specialists?

Yes! AIFS Professional Pathways is designated by the U.S. Department of State to legally sponsor the J-1 Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, and Specialist categories, expanding our sponsorship services for international professionals and eligible U.S. host organizations.

What is the difference between a J-1 Research Scholar and a Short-Term Scholar?

Both J-1 Research Scholar and Short-Term Scholar categories support research positions in the United States, but they differ in duration and program focus. The Research Scholar category is designed for robust, longer-term, research-focused positions lasting up to five years, while the Short-Term Scholar category supports temporary visits of up to six months for activities such as  consulting, short collaborative projects, workshop attendance, training, and traditional research.

Both categories allow periodic guest lecturing at the host organization and other approved institutions. Additional eligibility requirements and program restrictions apply.

Can institutions other than universities host Research and Short-Term scholars?

Yes! While many academic research facilities host J-1 Research and Short-Term scholars, institutions and corporations across sectors may also be eligible to host these J-1 categories, so long as they are actively conducting research activities. With rapid developments in technology, this is becoming an increasingly utilized visa pathway for corporate research and development programs as a means to compliantly welcome global experts, drive innovation, and advance product development.

Corporate facilities and non-academic institutions sponsoring researchers are conducting R&D activities related to AI, aerospace engineering, biotechnology, cyber security, energy, pharmaceutical science, social sciences, and more.

Can U.S. organizations host international researchers AND specialists?

Yes. Eligible U.S. institutions, including corporate research facilities, universities, and other qualifying organizations, may host international exchange visitors through the J-1 Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, or Specialist categories, depending on the organization, participant qualifications, and proposed activities.

Additionally, Eligible U.S. organizations may also host J-1 Interns and Trainees.

How can I apply for J-1 visa sponsorship through AIFS Professional Pathways?

To obtain J-1 visa sponsorship, both the foreign national and U.S. host company (institution/employer) will complete an online application which will be holistically reviewed by visa specialists at AIFS Professional Pathways for eligibility and compliance. 

International professionals and U.S. host organizations interested in these J-1 visa categories can contact AIFS Professional Pathways to discuss program eligibility, sponsorship requirements, and next steps.

Can J-1 Researchers, Scholars, and Specialists receive compensation for their contributions?

Yes. The J-1 visa provides full-time work authorization for the duration of the position, so J-1 holders may receive compensation from their host company/institution, as well as for periodic consultations and lectures at other organizations. However, the latter must be approved in advance with the visa sponsor. When considering compensation sources and totals, pay should also abide by state and federal wage and labor laws.

Can international researchers or students currently in the U.S. qualify for the J-1 Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, or Specialist visa categories?

International researchers and students currently in the U.S. may qualify for these J-1 visa categories. This is a notable benefit of these programs. Researchers currently based at one U.S. institution and are looking to transfer to a new research facility may do so, so long as their collective activity does not exceed the visa categories’ maximum duration.

For F-1 students completing their U.S. degrees, they may automatically qualify for adjustment of status to the J-1 Research or Short-Term Scholar categories without a waiting period or departing the U.S.

Can Research Scholars, Short-Term Scholars, and Specialists bring their families to the U.S.?

Yes, J-1 Research Scholars, Short-Term Scholars, and Specialists can absolutely bring their families to the U.S. Given the duration of these opportunities, it is common for J-1 participants to bring their immediate family. All J-1 categories facilitated by AIFS Professional pathways allow for legal spouses and unmarried children under 21 to come to the U.S. on the J-2 dependent visa.

Explore New J-1 Visa Opportunities with AIFS Professional Pathways

With the addition of the Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, and Specialist categories, AIFS Professional Pathways can now support a broader range of international exchange opportunities than ever before. These new designations create additional avenues for researchers, professionals, and host organizations to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge across borders.

Interested in exploring your options? The AIFS Professional Pathways team can help you better understand J-1 visa eligibility, sponsorship requirements, and next steps.