Our Programs
J-1: Research Scholar
International expertise leveraged around the world
Quick Links
Our Programs
International expertise leveraged around the world
Quick Links
Cultural Vistas has partnered with three other BridgeUSA J-1 visa sponsors to launch two resources supporting the U.S. Department of State’s STEM Research Initiative.
The J-1 visa for researchers and subject matter experts enables companies and organizations to engage a strong global talent pipeline by bringing motivated and talented individuals to the U.S. to contribute to R&D and share expertise.
The Research Scholar visa makes it easy for these companies and institutions to source the professionals from across the world necessary to accelerate their research and development efforts. J-1 Research Scholars can be based in the U.S. from 3 weeks to 5 years. Programs originally approved for a shorter period may be extended as the project continues and candidates can transfer their visa from one institution to another.
Short-Term Scholars are traveling to the U.S. on a short-term visit to lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions. They are limited to stays no longer than 6 months.
From startups to Fortune 100 companies, if you are engaged in research and development activities for product/service development, you may be eligible to bring research professionals to the U.S. for up to five years to accelerate your R&D efforts.
The J-1 Research Scholar visa answers the demand for top-tier STEM talent and provides a ready-made solution for sourcing the talent you need from around the world.
The J-1 Research Scholar visa is:
Not sure whether your candidate is eligible? Send us their resume and a copy of your job description, and we will do a review and let you know. Submit an inquiry below.
Host Companies and Organizations
U.S.-based companies, research, and academic institutions can host a research scholar if they have a physical U.S. location and the resources to do so. Some eligible industry sectors include:
Individuals
J-1 Research Scholars and Short-Term Scholars are foreign nationals with at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and demonstrated expertise. Their primary purpose in the U.S. is to conduct research, observe, lecture, or consult in connection with projects at U.S. research institutions, corporate research facilities, or academic institutions. Eligible candidates include:
Program Length | Fee |
---|---|
Programs 0 – 3 months | $1,000 |
Programs 3 – 6 months | $1,300 |
Programs 6 – 12 months | $1,600 |
Programs 12 – 24 months | $2,000 |
Programs 24 – 36 months | $2,400 |
Programs 36 – 48 months | $2,800 |
Programs 48 – 60 months | $3,200 |
Participants are required to have insurance through Cultural Vistas. We offer three options for individual health insurance: Standard Lite for $60/month, Enhanced for $100/month, and Family Lite for $120/month. Accompanying family members on a J-2 visa may select either Standard Lite for $60/month or Family Lite for $120/month.
Participant Health Insurance Information
Cultural Vistas’ health insurance plans include unlimited Talkspace messaging completely free of charge. Talkspace is an online therapy platform that allows users to engage in counseling with an individual licensed therapist through unlimited text, audio and video messages in a private chat room. Login instructions can be found on your My Healthcare Zone portal.
The SEVIS I-901 fee is a federally mandated fee that supports SEVIS, an automated system that tracks exchange visitors activity in the United States. Cultural Vistas pays the fee on behalf of the exchange visitor and issues a copy of the receipt. The original receipt will be mailed directly to the participant in his or her home country a few weeks later.
Companies working with Cultural Vistas for the first time (or after a hosting gap of 3 years) must pay a one-time orientation fee. This fee covers vetting for eligibility and suitability and ensuring that your company meets the standards that are outlined by the U.S. Department of State for all J-1 Visa host companies. This fee is non-refundable and cannot be paid by the J-1 candidate. This is to guarantee that companies understand their responsibilities as a U.S. host company to a J-1 Visa holder (this includes training, supervision, evaluations to be completed by trainee and supervisor, etc). Once a company has hosted a successful training program, its registration is considered complete, and it can host subsequent programs. (A successful program is defined as a program during which both the mid-term and final evaluations were completed as required).
All complete applications are processed in 4 – 6 weeks. Application evaluations can be completed in five or ten business days by choosing “expedited service” on the individual or host company application form.
Five business days: $1,500
Ten business days: $1,350
All exchange visitors traveling anywhere, excluding within the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, during their program must have their DS-2019 approved for travel.
This fee applies to amendments and replacement of the DS-2019 form.
This fee applies if you request to extend the length of an active program.
Program Extension Length | Fee |
---|---|
per 1 – 12 months extensions | $650 |
This is the application fee for issuance of the DS-2019 Form for dependents of J-1 applicants. Extensions are available on a case-by-case basis.
Health insurance coverage is required for J-2 dependents. Accompanying family members on a J-2 visa may select wither Standard Lite for $60/month or Family Lite for $120/month.
Companies and organizations new to working with us must be vetted for eligibility and suitability. During the onboarding process, we will ask you to:
We are pleased to work with you and your clients on your J-1 needs and inquiries. As experts in all matters pertaining to J-1 Research Scholars, Short-term Scholars, Specialists, Intern, Trainee, and Teacher programs, we can address any requirement or regulatory questions that you or your clients may have.
Attorneys can expect subject matter expertise, a streamlined application process, competitive rates, and an array of services to support your clients’ success throughout their U.S. J-1 visa program.
For the J-1 Scholars program, we offer:
Initiate an application or submit an inquiry below.
Both the J-1 candidate and the host company must apply to Cultural Vistas. Please begin the process here.