The Exchange Visitor Program

UMass Amherst is permitted to host J-1 Scholars in the following categories: 

J-1 Research Scholar/Professor

J-1 visa holders in the Research Scholar or Professor category may remain in the United States for up to five years on the J-1 visa. There are some restrictions to this category. Research scholars and/or professors who complete their J-1 programs and leave the United States are not eligible to return as J-1 visa holders in the Research Scholar or Professor Category for 24 months.

J-1 Short Term Scholar

A professor, research scholar, specialist, or a person with similar education or accomplishments coming to the U.S. on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills may remain in the U.S. for up to six months. No extensions are permitted beyond six months. 

J-1 Specialist

A J-1 specialist is an individual who is an expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skill coming to the U.S. for observing, consulting, or demonstrating special skills. J-1 visa holders in the Specialists category may stay for the length of time necessary to complete their program, not to exceed one year. Extensions beyond the 1-year program are not permitted.

If you are interested in researching or working at UMass Amherst, you must follow the appropriate steps. Your host department will submit the New J-1 Request on your behalf.  

Both categories allow the scholar to engage in research, collaboration, and teaching.

• Paid Scholars (post-docs/research fellows, etc.) will follow the standard UMass Amherst HR hiring policies. 
• Unpaid Scholars must determine which department and faculty member is the best match and your selected department and faculty member must agree to host your research program at UMass. 

Your host department will collect various documents from you and submit a New J-1 Scholar Request to ISSS. You will receive an email once you can begin your part of the request. Please email us if there are any errors accessing the e-form.

Once your DS-2019 is created, you will receive information about applying for a J-1 visa, arrival to the U.S., completing the mandatory J-1 scholar orientation (all online), and J-2 dependent information (if any).  

All questions regarding your visa appointment and consulate processing time should be directed to your chosen consulate. 

To be eligible for the J-1 visa an individual must meet the following criteria:

• must have an offer of employment or invitation from a host department at UMass Amherst such as a postdoctoral/research fellow, lecturer, unpaid scholars, etc.
• must have adequate funding for all living expenses, including additional financial support for any accompanying family members either from UMass Amherst or any other sources. There is a limit of 25% personal funding.
• must maintain health insurance which covers for sicknesses or accidents during the period of time when they are in J status. Failure to maintain health insurance coverage may jeopardize a J visa holder's status.