Cultural Vistas is now a designated J-1 visa sponsor for the Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, and Specialists J-1 visa categories!! These categories are available to US companies, research institutions, corporate research facilities, or academic institutions interested in bringing international professionals and experts to the US to research, innovate, observe, lecture, consult, exchange ideas, and share knowledge.
Sponsorship eligibility is dependent upon:
Research Scholars have proven expertise in research and development in the relevant field and hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field. In addition, the candidate must not have participated in a J-1 visa program in the preceding 12 months (unless it was participation in a short-term scholar program) and must not be on track for tenure. Research Scholars can be based in the U.S. from 3 weeks to 5 years. Programs originally slated 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 United States 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.
Specialists are experts in a field of specialized knowledge or skills coming to the US to participate in the interexchange of ideas and improvement knowledge and skills among foreign and American colleagues. They must have relevant professional experience proving their expertise. These visitors can be based in the U.S. from 3 weeks to 12 months.
US host organization’s eligibility is dependent upon:
- Their ability to offer a bonafide position that utilizes the candidate’s expertise and aligns with the intent of the J-1 BridgeUSA Program.
- Having the resources to sustain themselves throughout the J-1 Program, to provide a physical location for project/work activity, and the ability to provide the J-1 candidate with qualified supervision as well as collaboration and cultural exchange opportunities with US colleagues.
- Their evaluation of the prospective J-1 candidate and that the candidate’s credentials demonstrates expertise in the area of research or consultation.
Both the J-1 candidate and the host company must apply to Cultural Vistas. Candidates can apply online here and host companies can apply online 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.
Additionally, host companies new to Cultural Vistas are invoiced a $300 one-time fee to cover the cost of their evaluation and vetting process. Please note that the J-1 candidate cannot pay this fee on behalf of his or her host company. Please see our fees and refund policy for details.
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 Cultural Vistas at bd@culturalvistas.org
