J Visa Cultural and Educational Exchange

• When does the J visa apply? Typically the J visa is used when you bring someone to the U.S. and pay them for their time (wage, honorarium, stipend, etc). This is not necessary, however. They can come and we can pay expenses only. The competing factor that enters into the picture is that usually if someone comes to the U.S. and we are only paying expenses, they come under the Visa Waiver Program (super easy) or under a B visa. The B visa includes an interview at a consulate or embassy and I believe a visa fee is assessed, and in that sense is similar to the J.
• Minimum/maximum length of stay. Basically, there is no minimum stay. There are several categories, and if someone is coming for only a few days, I would put them in the appropriate category. Maximum length of stay is 5 years for a Research Scholar.
• Requirements. Currently a specialist must have a bachelor's degree (must stay at least 3 weeks) and a Research Scholar must have at least a Master's degree. There is also a Short Term Scholar (Master's degree +) who can come for any amount of time up to 6 months. Right now we don't have a category for undergraduates. That may change in the future.
• Costs. Currently the State Dept fee is $190 and the visa fee at the Embassy is $131. We also have to pay a minimal amount of medical/repatriation insurance which is paid by the day. This would normally be $50 - 100 per month, but we only pay for the number of days they are actually in the country under our program. We would also usually pay for lodging and food while they are here, which we do for most visitors. It is possible that a J can come with money from another institution, but that has to be documented on the application.
• The process. Once a PI or division manager identifies someone the company wants to bring here under the J program, you inform me. I will send the individual an application with all the information I need. which includes citizenship, personal and dependent information. I enter this information into an online system and create the document that they take to the Embassy for an interview. The Embassy grants a visa (hopefully!) which allows them to approach the border and ask for admission. The border agent is the final person to grant approval. After that, we have an obligation to provide a positive experience for them while here, including access to cultural and social activities, most of which occur naturally at NWRA and in the beautiful areas we live in.