Research Scholar · Requirements & Application
J-1 Research Scholar Requirements
J-1 research scholar requirements and how to apply: invitation letter, DS-2019, 12/24-month and two-year rules and J-2 visas. Let…
J-1 Research Scholar · Short-Term Scholar
J-1 Research Scholar: research and academic collaboration in the USA
Take your research to a U.S. university or research institute with the J-1 Research Scholar program. From your first contact with a host institution to your visa interview, we'll plan your file together.
- Up to 5 yearsResearch Scholar program
- Up to 6 monthsShort-Term Scholar visit
- J-2family visa for spouse and children
What is the J-1 Research Scholar program?
The J-1 Research Scholar category lets academics and researchers conduct research, observe or consult at a U.S. university, research institute, corporate R&D unit, museum or library. You'll often hear it called a “visiting scholar” program.
At its core is academic collaboration: you pursue your project alongside American colleagues, draw on world-class laboratory and library resources, and grow your international publication and project network. Back home, that experience becomes a powerful asset for both your institution and your academic career.
Your DS-2019 is issued by the host institution or a sponsor organization designated by the U.S. Department of State. At Bridge USA Türkiye, we're with you at every step of your file. For the official program description, see the J-1 Research Scholar page.
The program at a glance
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3 weeks
shortest Research Scholar program
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5 years
longest program length
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6 months
maximum for Short-Term Scholars
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30 days
grace period after your program
Which category fits you?
There are three J-1 categories for academic visits. The right one depends on the purpose and length of your visit.
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Research Scholar
Research, observation or consulting as part of a research project. From 3 weeks to 5 years.
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Professor
Teaching, lecturing, observing or consulting at an accredited post-secondary institution.
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Short-Term Scholar
Short visits for conferences, seminars, observation or training. Up to 6 months.
Who is it for?
The J-1 research scholar visa is ideal for faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, industry R&D specialists and professionals at institutions such as museums and libraries. Researchers funded by scholarships from institutions like TÜBİTAK (the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye), or by the host institution, use this category too.
These categories are designed for time-limited academic collaboration, not for candidates seeking a tenure-track position at a U.S. institution. If you're still a student or a recent graduate looking for work experience, the Intern / Trainee program may be a better fit. To see all your options, compare J-1 programs.
Free consultation
Let's plan your academic visit together
We'll map out your category, timing and document plan in a free initial consultation. Fill in the form, and we'll call you within 1 business day.
- We help you pick the right program
- We check your eligibility and plan your timeline
- We share every cost item in writing
Prefer to talk right now?
Host institution and invitation letter
Every Research Scholar program starts with a host institution. Typically, you reach out to a faculty member or lab director in the department you'd like to join and share your research plan. Once the institution accepts you, it issues an invitation letter stating the project, dates and funding, and its international office issues your DS-2019.
We help you identify target institutions and departments, write an effective outreach email and research summary, and build a complete document plan once your invitation arrives.
Program length: from 3 weeks to 5 years
Research Scholar and Professor programs last a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 5 years. If your first DS-2019 was issued for a shorter period, it can be extended through your host institution, as long as the total stays within the 5-year limit. Short-Term Scholar visits last up to 6 months and can't be extended. After your program ends, you have 30 days to depart the U.S.
The 12-month and 24-month rules
These two rules relate to your previous J-1 visits to the U.S. and matter for planning:
- 12-month rule: if you were in the U.S. in J status during the 12 months before your program start date, you can't begin as a Research Scholar or Professor. The rule doesn't apply if your previous stay was shorter than 6 months, if it was as a Short-Term Scholar, or if it's a sponsor transfer.
- 24-month rule: after completing a Research Scholar or Professor program, you can't rejoin either of these two categories for 2 years. Other J-1 categories aren't affected.
Short-Term Scholar visits aren't subject to either rule. We'll check your past visits with you before you apply.
The two-year home residency requirement
Some J-1 participants must spend a total of 2 years in their home country before switching to certain U.S. visas and statuses after their program. It's often simply called the two-year rule, and it comes into play in three situations: your program is funded by the U.S. government, the Turkish government or an international organization (publicly funded scholarships, for example); your field appears on your country's Skills List; or you receive graduate medical training in the U.S.
Türkiye has not been on the current Skills List since December 2024. Your exact status is determined by the annotation on your DS-2019 and visa, and the requirement doesn't prevent you from traveling to the U.S. For matters such as waivers, we recommend consulting an immigration attorney. For details, see our Research Scholar requirements and application page.
J-2 family visa: bring your family along
Your spouse and children under 21 can accompany you on J-2 visas. J-2 spouses can apply to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) for permission to work in the U.S. Health insurance is required for family members throughout the program, and the host institution may ask for additional proof of funds for each family member. Discussing your family plans at the outset makes budgeting and document preparation easier.
Build a strong file
In a consultation, we'll clarify your category, timing, funding and family plans together.
How we support you
Your DS-2019 is issued by the host institution or a designated sponsor; we make the whole process simpler for you.
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Institution and category analysis
We identify target institutions and departments, and the J-1 category that fits you.
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Institution outreach
We help you prepare an effective outreach email, research summary and academic CV.
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Document plan
We track your invitation letter, proof of funds and insurance documents with a complete checklist.
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Timeline
We plan your institution application, DS-2019 and visa appointment around your start date.
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Visa interview prep
Before your DS-160 and interview, we prepare you for likely questions with mock sessions.
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Family planning
We guide your family on J-2 documents, insurance and budget, too.
For every step of the visa process, read our J-1 visa guide, and for any questions, get in touch with us.
U.S. universities and sponsors: let's connect
Are you a U.S. university, research institute or designated J-1 sponsor welcoming scholars from Türkiye? We help academics prepare complete, well-organized files and arrive ready to contribute. Get in touch to explore how we can work together.
Free consultation
Take the first step toward your 2027 academic visit
Leave your details, and we'll call you to map out your category and timeline together.
- We help you pick the right program
- We check your eligibility and plan your timeline
- We share every cost item in writing
Prefer to talk right now?
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in the USA as a J-1 research scholar?
Research Scholar and Professor programs last a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 5 years. The length is stated in your host institution's invitation letter and on your DS-2019, and it can be extended through your institution as long as the total stays within 5 years. After your program ends, you also have a 30-day grace period to depart the U.S.
What is a J-1 short-term scholar?
Short-Term Scholar is the J-1 category for professors, researchers and people with similar qualifications making short visits for conferences, seminars, observation, consulting or training. It lasts up to 6 months and can't be extended. It isn't subject to the 12-month and 24-month rules, so it won't stop you from joining later as a Research Scholar.
What are the J-1 12-month and 24-month bars?
Under the 12-month rule, if you were in the U.S. in J status during the 12 months before your program start date, you can't begin as a Research Scholar or Professor; stays shorter than 6 months and Short-Term Scholar visits are exceptions. Under the 24-month rule, after completing one of these programs, you can't rejoin the same categories for 2 years.
Does the two-year rule apply to me?
It may apply if your program is funded by the U.S. government, the Turkish government or an international organization; researchers on publicly funded scholarships, for example, may be covered. Since Türkiye isn't on the current Skills List, it often doesn't come into play for those going with personal or private funding. Your exact status is determined by the annotation on your DS-2019 and visa.
Can my spouse and children come with me on a J-1 research scholar visa?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 21 can accompany you on J-2 visas. J-2 spouses can apply to USCIS for work authorization; children can't work. Health insurance is required for family members too, and the host institution may ask for additional proof of funds. We recommend discussing your family plans at the start of your application.
How do I get an invitation letter as a visiting scholar?
Your invitation letter comes from the host institution, after you've connected with a faculty member or lab director in the department you'd like to join. Sharing a clear research plan, your academic CV and your visit dates speeds up the process. We help you identify target institutions and prepare an effective outreach email.
Can a J-1 research scholar be paid?
Yes. If paid work is specified on your DS-2019, you can receive a salary from your host institution. Many researchers go with support from their home institution or a scholarship. Occasional lectures and consultations directly related to your program's goals are also possible with sponsor approval. We'll review your funding plan with you in an initial consultation.
Can postdocs come to the USA on a J-1 visa?
Yes. Postdoctoral researchers usually apply for the J-1 visa in the Research Scholar category once they receive an invitation from a host institution. You can go on a scholarship or with funding from the host institution. Since your funding source matters for the two-year home residency requirement, factor it in at the planning stage.
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