Top of Page
Skip main navigation
Visiting Scholars

Visiting Scholars (J-1 Visas) General Information

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) administers the University’s Exchange Visitor Program. Departments seeking to host a foreign scholar should complete the following form along with the requested supporting documentation and submit to OISS. In order to allow for internal administrative processing and in anticipation of visa application processes at American embassies/consulates, please submit your request at least 60 days prior to the anticipated arrival date of the visitor. OISS will make every effort to accommodate situations that may require expedited processing.

Purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) hosts students and scholars for the purpose of “teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills or receiving training in the general interests of international academic exchange.”

Participants use the Form DS-2019 (formerly IAP-66) to apply at the American embassy or consulate for the J-1 visa to enter the United States. The program is an essential component in NSU’s efforts to maintain prominence as an international academic and research institution. NSU is authorized as a program sponsor through the U.S. Department of State. You can explore more about the J-1 Program at: http://j1visa.state.gov/

Exchange Visitor Categories

Proper categorization of the exchange visitor on the Form DS-2019 is critical since the program does not permit exchange visitors to change categories or program objectives after arriving in the U.S.

The only exception to this rule is an allowance to change from professor to research scholar or vice versa in the event that the principal activities of the participant so dictate.

The OISS at NSU provides assistance to request the following classification or category of visitors under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program:

Professor
A professor is an individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting. A professor may also conduct research, unless disallowed by the sponsor. Maximum stay is five years.

Research Scholar
A research scholar is an individual primarily conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project. The research scholar may also teach or lecture, unless disallowed by the sponsor. Maximum stay is five years.

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. Short-term scholars may also engage in collaborative research. Short-term scholars may be brought for one day to a maximum of six months; however, extensions are not permitted beyond the 6-month maximum stay. Because short-term scholar exchange visitors may be employed to receive honoraria and/or be reimbursed for expenses, this category is convenient for use by speakers and other participants at NSU sponsored conferences, short courses, seminars and colloquia.

Return to top of page