International Students and Scholars

Overview of Scholar Visa Types

Overview of the main visa types used to sponsor international scholars, including employees

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Scholar Visa Overview

The following is a general overview of the primary visa classifications used to sponsor visiting scholars, researchers, faculty and staff at Brown

The following are the primary types of visas used to sponsor international scholars and employees. In all cases, individuals must work with their sponsoring department or unit, who is responsible for contacting ISSS to determine the appropriate visa process.

Visa Type	Description	Time Limits
J-1 Scholar (Research Scholar / Professor, Short-term Scholar, Specialist)	Allows temporary programs of research and teaching (short-term scholar, research scholar, professor) or observation and consultation using specialized skills (specialist) Not available for tenure-track, career, or other indefinite / permanent positions Certain visitors may be subject to bars on participation and/or required to return home for two years before qualifying for long-term U.S. employment or residence	1 day to 6 months (short-term scholars) 3 weeks to five years (research scholars, professors) 3 weeks to 12 months (specialists)
J-1 Student Intern	For a student enrolled full-time in an overseas institution of higher education invited to come to Brown to engage in full-time internship that will be used to fulfill requirements for their degree program Cannot include more than 20% administrative work	3 weeks to 12 months
H-1B Temporary Worker in a Speciality Occupation	For specialty occupation workers (temporary or permanent positions that require specialized skills and knowledge) Requires bona fide employer / employee relationship Authorization is job, worksite, and employer-specific	Up to 3 years, extendable to a maximum of 6 years
O-1 Individual of Extraordinary Abiltiy	For persons of demonstrated extraordinary ability or achieve in the the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics	Up to 3 years, extendable indefinitely in 1 year increments at at ime
TN Professional	Restricted to citizens of Canada or Mexico Allows employment in a profession included in the US / Mexico / Canada (USMCA) trade agreement	Up to 3 years, extendable indefinitely in increments up to 3 years at a time
E-3 Australian Specialty Occupation Worker	Restricted to citizens of Australia Requires employment in a specialty occupation	Up to 2 years, extendable indefinitely in 2 year increments
B-1 / Visa Waiver Program Business Visitors	Only for short-term visitors making business trips to U.S. Employment not permitted, but in certain circumstances may be eligible for travel expense reimbursement and/or honorarium payments	For duration of business activity, up to 6 months (B-1) or 90 days (WB)