When selecting a category, it is important to consider what the Exchange Visitor’s primary objective is while at USC, not their current role abroad. The following is basic information on each of the categories used at USC and their various lengths of stay.
An Exchange Visitor’s program objective and J-1 category must remain consistent with their initial invitation to USC. Therefore, once the Exchange Visitor has started the appointment, changes in these areas will not be permitted. The J-1 visa is not a contract of employment. The sponsoring academic department may ask OIS to shorten the DS-2019 at any time if the exchange visitor is not making progress towards the appointment.
J-1 scholars are required to report to their site of activity (USC based address indicated on the DS-2019) for the duration of their J-1 appointment. They are not permitted to report to a non-USC site (domestic or international) without prior authorization from OIS.
Remote Work: The USC J-1 appointment must be a full-time workload benefiting the USC sponsoring academic department. As of July 1, 2023, J-1 scholars (Research Scholars, Short-term Scholars, and Professors) may work remotely two days out of the five-day workweek if the USC sponsoring department has instituted partial remote policies and has approved hybrid program participation for the visitor.
If you are unsure which category is most appropriate for your Exchange Visitor, please feel free to contact OIS by email at j1scholar@usc.edu.
Research Scholar (Includes Post Docs)
The Research Scholar is the most common category for Exchange Visitor at USC.
- Objective: Primary objective is research but may also include observing and collaborating with an ongoing research project. 80% of time must be research-related. Research Scholars may teach or lecture up to 20% (one class) in addition to conducting research. The USC J-1 scholar appointment must be a full-time workload benefiting the USC sponsoring academic department. J-1 scholar must report to their site of activity (USC based address indicated on the DS-2019) for the duration of their J-1 appointment. They are not permitted to report to a non-USC site (domestic or international) without prior authorization from OIS.
- Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or higher. Genuine expertise in field.
- Program Duration: 3 weeks to 5 years
- 2 year maximum duration for initial DS-2019 can be allotted. Extensions permitted.
- If transferring to USC, include previous time spent on J-1
- J-1 Bars: Foreign nationals who have completed a J-1 Research Scholar program must wait 24 months before participating in another J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program. This regulation is known as the 24-Month Bar on repeat participation. A scholar who is subject to the 24-month Bar may, however, leave the U.S. and return as a Short-Term Scholar.
Professor (Includes Post Docs)
- Objective: Primary objective, 80% minimum, is classroom instruction in their field but may also include lecturing, observing, or consulting. Professors may also participate in departmental research up to 20% of their time. The USC J-1 scholar appointment must be a full-time workload benefiting the USC sponsoring academic department. J-1 scholar must report to their site of activity (USC based address indicated on the DS-2019) for the duration of their J-1 appointment. They are not permitted to report to a non-USC site (domestic or international) without prior authorization from OIS.
- Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or higher. Genuine expertise in field.
- Program Duration: 3 weeks to 5 years
- 2 year maximum duration for initial DS-2019 can be allotted. Extensions permitted
- If transferring to USC, include previous time spent on J-1
- J-1 Bars: Foreign nationals who have completed a J-1 Research Scholar program must wait 24 months before participating in another J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program. This regulation is known as the 24-Month Bar on repeat participation. A scholar who is subject to the 24-month Bar may, however, leave the U.S. and return as a Short-Term Scholar.
Short-Term Scholar
The Short-Term Scholar category is very flexible and can be used to accommodate many types of short visits.
- Objective: A Short-Term Scholar may be a professor, researcher, specialist, or 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. The USC J-1 scholar appointment must be a full-time workload benefiting the USC sponsoring academic department. J-1 scholar must report to their site of activity (USC based address indicated on the DS-2019) for the duration of their J-1 appointment. They are not permitted to report to a non-USC site (domestic or international) without prior authorization from OIS.
- Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or higher. Genuine expertise in field.
- Program Duration: 1 day to 6 months (No extensions past 6 months)
- J-1 Bars: Not subject to 24-Month Bar
- Research Scholar to Short-term Scholar: Must be 6 months in between appointments and have a new research objective within in your field.
- Short-term Scholar to Research Scholar: Must be 6 months in between appointments and have a new research objective within in your field.
- Short-term Scholar to Short-term Scholar: Must be 6 months in between appointments and have a new research objective within in your field.
Non-Degree Student
A Non-Degree Student is enrolled full-time in classes but is not earning a degree from USC. If you are interested in the J-1 Non-Degree Student category, we would like to redirect you to the pages listed below:
Obtaining a DS-2019 for J-1 Non-Degree Students
J-1 Pre-Departure Non-Degree Students
J-1 Arrival Non-Degree Students
Current J-1 Non-Degree Students
Degree Student
A Degree Student is enrolled full-time in classes to earn a degree from USC. All DS-2019’s for degree students are issued through The Office of Admissions. If you are a J-1 Degree Student, we would like to redirect you to the pages listed below:
Prospective Students
New Incoming International Students
Current students