Exchange Visitors who are scholars fall under one of five categories: Short Term Scholar; Research Scholar; Professor; Specialist; Non-Degree Student. Category descriptions and maximum length of stay allowed for each category are provided below:
Professor
Primary Activity at UCLA/Eligibility: An individual whose primary activity is teaching, lecturing, observing or consulting on non-tenure track appointments such as Adjunct Professor. Participation in Departmental research is allowed. MA/MS required.
Length of Stay: Minimum 22 days. Maximum 5 years. Includes time spent at another institution on J-1 status. No extension of stay allowed beyond 5 years.
Bars: If they had completed a previous Exchange Visitor (J-1) program in the U.S under the Professor or Research Scholar category, they are subject to a 24-month bar (gap) to start a new Exchange Visitor (J-1) program under the Professor or Research Scholar category.
Study Restrictions: May engage in temporary/incidental study only. Degree objective programs are not permitted.
Research Scholar
Primary Activity at UCLA/Eligibility: An individual whose primary activity is conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project under the supervision of a UCLA faculty. Generally holds a Post-Doctoral position or Visiting Scholar appointments. BA/BS required.
Length of Stay: Minimum 22 days. Maximum 5 years. Includes time spent at another institution on J-1 status. No extension of stay allowed beyond 5 years.
Bars: If they had completed a previous Exchange Visitor (J-1) program in the U.S under the Professor or Research Scholar category, they are subject to a 24-month bar (gap) to start a new Exchange Visitor (J-1) program under the Professor or Research Scholar category.
Study Restrictions: May engage in temporary/incidental study only. Degree objective programs are not permitted.
Short-Term Scholar
Primary Activity at UCLA/Eligibility: A professor, researcher, or person with similar education or accomplishments coming to the U.S. on a short-term visit for the purpose of research, lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills. This category includes speakers at Conferences receiving an honorarium from UCLA. BA/BS required.
Length of Stay:No minimum. Maximum 6 months. No extension of stay allowed beyond 6 months.
Study Restrictions: May engage in temporary/incidental study only. Degree objective programs are not permitted.
Specialist
Primary Activity at UCLA/Eligibility: An individual who is an expert in a specialized field of knowledge or skill coming to the U.S. for observing, consulting, or demonstrating special skills. Examples include visiting artists and musicians. Short-Term Scholars, Research Scholars and Professors are not considered specialists for the purpose of this category.
Length of Stay: Minimum 22 days. Maximum 1 year. No extension of stay allowed beyond 1 year.
Student Non-Degree
Primary Activity at UCLA/Eligibility: An individual attending UCLA for a prescribed program of academic activity which does not lead to a degree from UCLA. This category applies to undergraduate student researchers.
Length of Stay: Minimum 22 days. Maximum 2 years. No extension of stay allowed beyond 2 years.