The UofM sponsors four non-student categories under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Prior participation in a J-1 program may affect an individual's ability to participate in future J-1 programs.

• Short-Term Scholar: Objectives can be to lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills. Short-term scholars will come to the U.S. for a short visit and have no plans to continue beyond the 6-month limit. Visiting Short-term scholars may stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 6 months.
• Professor: The primary purpose is to teach, lecture, observe, or consult. The professor may also engage in research and participate in occasional lectures if authorized by the program sponsor. Visiting Professors may participate in the program for a minimum of 3 weeks and up to a total of 5 years, which includes transfers between exchange visitor programs.
• Research Scholar: This category is for an individual whose primary purpose is to perform research, observe, or consult in connection with a research project. Visiting Research Scholars may participate in the program for a minimum of 3 weeks and up to a total of 5 years, which includes transfers between exchange visitor programs.
• Specialist: This category is for individuals that have a specialized area of expertise and whose primary purpose is observing, consulting or demonstrating special knowledge or skills. The maximum period of stay is one year.

Foreign nationals must submit an application to request a J-1 visa through the Division of International Affairs. This application will include documents to be completed by the potential J-1's sponsoring academic department at the University of Memphis. Fulbright Students and Fulbright Scholars should also complete this application despite their visas being sponsored by Fulbright. Please see the application for additional information.

J-1 Scholar Application >

If you have questions, please contact the UofM's Education Abroad Department via email at tigersabroad@memphis.edu.