International Student & Scholar Services
J-1 Research Scholars
Purpose of the Program
The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program is “to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange,” in accordance with the Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961.
Scholar Categories
Research Scholar/ Professor
22C.F.R. § 62.4 (e) defines a visiting professor as “an individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at post-secondary accredited educational institutions, museums, libraries, or similar types of institutions. A professor may also conduct research, unless disallowed by the sponsor.”
22C.F.R. § 62.4 (f) defines a research scholar as “an individual primarily conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project at research institutions, corporate research facilities, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited educational institutions, or similar types of institutions. The research scholar may also teach or lecture, unless disallowed by the sponsor.”
- Visiting professors and research scholars may engage in the above activities for a period of up to five (5) years.
Short-Term Scholar
22C.F.R. § 62.4 (b) Short-term scholar. A professor, research scholar, or person with similar education or accomplishments coming to the United States on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited educational institutions, or similar type of institutions.
- The maximum length of stay for a participant in the Short-term Scholar category is six (6) months.
- Mercer University requires a waiting period of six (6) months between the end of one short-term program and the beginning of a new one.
Program Participation
- Eligible persons wishing to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program at Mercer University should contact hosting departments directly.
- Departments wishing to host a visiting scholar to participate in ongoing research projects or lecture on a temporary basis are required to submit a request t o the Office of International Programs, and should refer to the link on this page at the left.
Determining Eligibility
A prospective J-1 visiting scholar must:
- Be applying for a non-tenure track position
- Hold a master's degree or a bahelor's degree with extensive experience in the relevant field
- Provide proof of English language proficiency
- Provide proof of adequate financial resources for the duration of the program
- NOT have been in the U.S. in J-1 OR J-2 status for 6 o rmore months during the 12 months immediately preceding the start date of the new J-1 request
- Obtain adequate health insurance coverage, as required by federal law
Process for Obtaining Mercer Sponsorship
- Receive an invitation from a Mercer University department
- Prepare a written, signed statement detailing how the program at mercer will fulfill the purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program. Include a statement of intent to return to the home country.
- Complete the personal information portion of the application for sponsorship.
- Read and sign the statement of understanding regarding medical health insurance.
- Complete the financial support worksheet.
- Obtain original bank statements, and official translations if not in English for proof of financial support.
- Submit the above documents along with the following to the inviting department for review:
- Current resume
- Official copies of diplomas and/or transcirpts and English translations if necessary.
- A copy of the current passport
- Copies of U.S. immigration documentation if you have been present in the U.S. in the past 24 months
Links to Additional Information:
Department of State Website for J-1 Visas
SEVIS Fee Information
