Scholars
Hosting a Scholar
The J-1 should be invited to USF to participate in temporary academic activies. This
typically consists of research projects, teaching, observation, dissertation development,
or postdoctoral research. The J-1 is not an employment visa. It does allow the scholar
to be offered a position that fits the planned academic activities. If employed, this
is most often official appointments such as visiting faculty, postdoctoral fellows
and visiting scholars.
Department hosts should thoroughly review their legal responsibilities to ensure they
can comply. Then they need to select the category that makes the most sense for the
type and length of the visit. USF is allowed to use the Research Scholar, Professor,
Short-Term Scholar, Specialist, and Student Intern Categories.
The first step for the host department is the invitation letter. This is different
from an offer of employment. It includes the purpose and objectives of the visit.
The department completes a Scholar Application in iStart and pays an Administrative
Charge. The application takes 3-4 weeks for processing. It requires the scholar to
demonstrate proof of funding and English language proficiency.