Innovate, solve, and gain competitive advantage through the exchange of ideas
Research Scholars are foreign nationals with demonstrated knowledge and skill in a given field whose primary purpose in the U.S. is to conduct research, observe, lecture, or consult in connection with projects at American research institutions, corporate research facilities, or academic institutions.
The J-1 Research Scholar visa makes it easy for companies and institutions to source research professionals from across the world to accelerate their research and development efforts. U.S.-based companies with a physical U.S. location and the resources to host can bring in researchers from anywhere in the world to participate in the exchange of ideas and improvement of knowledge and skills among foreign and American colleagues. Research Scholars can be based in the U.S.from 3 weeks to 5 years.
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.
ResearcherUSA.com serves as an information hub for the Research Scholar category of the J-1 visa program, providing an in-depth overview of the program, detailing its benefits, and offering practical guidance on participation.
STEMTalentConnect.com is a dedicated career platform that links U.S. companies, universities, and institutions with international STEM talent.
J-1 Scholar Categories
The J-1 visa for research professionalsenables 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. Candidates can transfer their visa from one institution to another, and programs originally approved for a shorter period may be extended as the project continues.
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.
J-1 Research Scholar Program Benefits
Cultural Exchange
Experience the vibrant cultural exchange that the J-1 Research Scholar Program offers. Researchers have the opportunity to share their own cultural heritage and gain deep insights into American culture, enriching both their personal and professional lives.
Professional Development
The program accelerates professional growth by providing researchers with opportunities to enhance their expertise, learn new skills, and network with global peers, paving the way for future career advancements.
Program & Fee Details
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:
Affordable
The J-1 Research Scholar program is cost-effective, inclusive, and straightforward. All our fees are upfront and invoiced together.
Comprehensive
As long as you have the need and resources to do so, you are able to utilize the J-1 Research Scholar visa to bring in as many research professionals as necessary for your R&D project.
Expedient
The application processing time is four weeks or less, so you’ll know whether your candidate will be approved for visa sponsorship in a relatively short period of time.
Transparent
You will know for certain whether your candidate will be granted the J-1 visa in as little as four weeks. This will allow you to plan your R&D lifecycle accordingly and meet your product launch deadlines.
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:
Engineering (all)
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Robotics & Automation
Computing & Electronics
Software Development
Semiconductors
Renewable Energy and Cleantech
Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology
Aerospace, Aeronautical, Astronautical
Automotive & Autonomous Vehicles
Quantum Computing
IT & Cybersecurity
EdTech, AgTech, & FinTech
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality
Social Science
And more.
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:
Current J-1 Research Scholars
Foreign nationals – R&D Experts
F-1 Graduates
Former Research Interns & Trainees
Foreign employees/New hires in R&D
Non-U.S. PhD Fellows
Please specify the expected work arrangements for participants. Clarifying whether the research activities must be conducted in-person at the institution or if there are provisions for hybrid work arrangements would provide valuable information to potential applicants.
Research Scholars must work in-person a minimum of 60% of the time. For example, a participant working 5 days per week can work remotely 2 days and in-person 3 days.
J-1 Research Scholars, Short-Term Scholars, & Specialists
Program Length
Fee
Programs 0 – 3 months
$1,100
Programs 3 – 6 months
$1,400
Programs 6 – 12 months
$1,700
Programs 12 – 24 months
$2,100
Programs 24 – 36 months
$2,500
Programs 36 – 48 months
$2,900
Programs 48 – 60 months
$3,300
Health Insurance
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.
As a part of your health insurance, you will have access to Telus’s confidential and anonymous online counseling services. Telus is a virtual emotional wellness and mental health support service designed to help students and other eligible participants with emotional, cultural, and mental health challenges. You are encouraged to utilize this free, confidential, virtual therapy service to support your mental health. Telus can be accessed through the Healthcare Zone.
SEVIS I-901: $220
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 receipt is then shared with the exchange visitor along with their other visa documents.
Other Fees + Services
New Host Company: $300
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).
Optional Expedited Processing Fees
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
Travel Validation: $50
All exchange visitors traveling anywhere, excluding within the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, during their program must have their DS-2019 approved for travel.
DS-2019 Replacement: $100
This fee applies to amendments and replacement of the DS-2019 form.
Adjustments to Research Scholar Program: $150
Activity Change, Lecture, Consult Review, & Approval Letter for J-1 Research Scholar.
J-2 Application Fee: $750
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.
J-2 Health Insurance: $60/month or $120/month
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.
Complete our host company application request form, which allows us to assess the eligibility of your company and proposed training program. This information is required for all program applications.
Take part in a brief video orientation with a Cultural Vistas representative to learn more about the J-1 program. Please note that we cannot process an application until the orientation is completed and the exchange visitor application is received.
Pay a new company fee that will be required if you have not previously worked with us. Please see the Costs section for more information.
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:
Eligibility reviews
If you are unsure of a candidate or a program’s eligibility or have a unique circumstance, we offer a complimentary initial assessment. Include a detailed resume and brief overview of the company and program in your requests. We will advise whether we can consider the application for sponsorship. However, approval is not guaranteed.
Personalized support and ways of working together
This means we can customize your level of involvement in the application process. You can refer your clients directly to us, serve as a liaison for your client (and be included in all communications), or we can work directly with you on your client’s behalf, which includes granting you access to our online application portal. We are also happy to meet with you and your team to provide education about the J-1 Research Scholar and Short-Term Scholar programs.
In addition, we will provide proactive communication, fast turnaround times, and support before, during, and after the application process and program. This includes application assistance, DS-2019 issuance, pre- and post-arrival support, compliance and risk management, etc.
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.
Once submitted, Cultural Vistas will review both applications for eligibility to participate in these expertise-sharing programs. If deemed eligible for sponsorship, Cultural Vistas will issue the necessary sponsorship documents and guide the parties through the subsequent steps.
A $300 one-time fee applies for host companies new to Cultural Vistas to cover the cost of the evaluation and vetting process. Please see the New Host tab for next steps.
For additional questions regarding the application process, program eligibility requirements, or fees and refund policies, host companies and J-1 candidates for scholars and specialists can contact us at bd@culturalvistas.org.
J-1 Visa Research Scholar Extension
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.
Program Extension This fee applies for Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, and Specialist programs if you request to extend the length of an active program: $650 per 1 – 12 months extension.
If an program extension application is submitted fewer than 10 business days prior to the original program end date, an additional $750 expedited fee will be incurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All J-1 Research Scholars are required to file IRS Form 8843 for every tax year they spend in the U.S., even if they do not earn income. This form is used to report their presence in the U.S. as a nonresident alien and is a key part of staying compliant with federal tax regulations.
J-1 Research Scholars may only engage in the research, teaching, or consulting activities outlined in their DS-2019 form and approved by their program sponsor. Any additional work, including paid lectures or short-term consulting, must be incidental to their program and pre-approved in writing.
Yes. A J-1 Research Scholar may transfer their visa to a new host institution or company sponsorship from one designated program sponsor to another, as long as the new opportunity aligns with the original program objectiveand is within the maximum program duration of five years.For example, a candidate who has been conducting drug discovery research at a university for two years can transfer their visa to continue this work at a private biotech company for up to three more years. If a change in program sponsor is necessary, both the current and new sponsors must be authorized under the Exchange Visitor Program, and the transfer must be coordinated through SEVIS by both sponsors. The scholar must receive a new Form DS-2019 from the new sponsor after the transfer is approved.
To qualify as a J-1 Research Scholar, applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate expertise in their academic or professional field. Their program objective (such as conducting research or lecturing) must be clear and aligned with the intent of the program. They must have a clear program objective (such as conducting research or lecturing) and They must also meet English language proficiency requirements. Adequate health insurance coverage is also mandatory.
While interview questions vary by consulate, applicants are often asked about their academic background, the purpose of their visit, details of the host institution, their funding arrangements, and their plans after the program. Research Scholar candidates should be prepared to clearly explain how the program aligns with their long-term goals.
Salaries vary based on the host institution, field of research, location, and funding availability. Cultural Vistas does not pay or recommend salaries to J-1 scholars; all financial arrangements are handled by the host organization. Scholars can consult public sources like the U.S. Department of Labor or industry salary tools for general benchmarks.
Whether a J-1 Research Scholar may work part-time depends on the specific J-1 sponsor’s interpretation of the program rules and regulations. Specifically, to be eligible for Cultural Vistas sponsorship, all candidates are required to maintain a full-time work schedule of at least 32 hours per week.
