Types of J-1 Visa
The category/type of J visa status in Section Box #4 of your DS-2019 and determines your maximum length of stay in the U.S. DS-2019s issued by PIPS may be in the following categories:
Category |
Duration |
When can I return to the U.S.? |
|---|---|---|
J-1 Research Scholar (or Professor) |
Granted up to 5 years. Extensions beyond 5 years are not permitted. Avoid if J-1 program will be 6 months or less unless there is the possibility the program will need to be extended. | A 24-month bar on repeat participation will be imposed on you (and your J-2 dependents) before being eligible to return to the U.S. in this category again. If you finish your program before the full 5-year period, the continuity of the 5-year period is broken. You are unable to recapture or use the remaining time at a later date. The 24-month bar does not prevent you from returning to the U.S. in any other visa status. |
J-1 Short-term Scholar |
Granted up to 6 months. Extensions beyond 6 months are not permitted. Cannot be done back to back. | The U.S. government requires significant breaks between J programs even if a bar does not apply. |
J-1 Specialist |
Granted up to 12 months. Extensions beyond 12 months are not permitted. Rarely used due to qualifying criteria. | If you have been in the U.S. for more than 6 months a 12-month bar will be imposed on you (and your J-2 dependents) before being eligible to return to the U.S. as a Research Scholar or Professor. The 12-month bar does not prevent individuals from returning to the United States in any other visa status. |