J-1 Research Scholar Restrictions - International Student and Scholar Services

Summary of J-1 Research Scholar/Professor Restrictions

RESTRICTION	TRIGGER	EFFECT
5-Year Maximum	Participation in a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor Program	A professor or research scholar may be authorized to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program for a length of time to complete a program, provided such time does not exceed a continuous five years.
212(e) 2-Year Home Residency Requirement	Use of government funding (U.S. or foreign) for a J program OR participating in a J program that is listed on the Exchange Visitor Skills List	Visitor cannot change from J-1/J-2 status to any other status while inside the U.S. AND visitor cannot gain H-1B, L-1, or Permanent Residency status until the visitor has either spent two years in their home country or received a waiver of the requirements.
2-Year Bar	Participation in a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor Program	Visitor cannot start a new J-1 Research Scholar or Professor Program until two years after the end of the first program. (Ban on repeat participation within two years).