NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS
Academics, Researchers & Exchange Students
STUDENT
In general, anyone wishing to study at an academic institution in the United States requires a
student (F-1) visa. Students include all those enrolled in an academic
institution such as elementary school, high school, language school, vocational schools,
universities…etc.
If the student is an exchange visitor, they will need an
exchange visitor (J-1) visa.
The U.S. institution will determine if an exchange visitor program is in
operation. Exchange visitors are those traveling for research, graduate
students on work study, Fulbright scholars, nannies, computer councilors,
professors/lecturers, speakers, etc…
School children taking part in short term school exchange with an American high school for a week or two are
eligible for B-2 visas, or visa free travel under the Visa Waiver Program,
if otherwise qualified. If they intend to remain in the United States for a term or semester, however, they
will require the appropriate J-1 or F-1 visa.
PROFESSOR/LECTURER/SPEAKER
Members of the academic profession coming to the United States to engage in usual academic activities such
conferences, may travel on a B-1 visa provided there is no remuneration
from a U.S. source, other than expenses incidental to the visit. Those who will receive an honorarium in
addition to incidental expenses may still be eligible for the B-1 visa provided all of the following are
met:
The activities will last no longer than nine days at a single institution;
The institution is a nonprofit research organization or a
governmental research organization, or an institution of higher education, or a
related or affiliated nonprofit entity;
Such activities are conducted for the benefit of the institution or entity; and
The individual concerned has not accepted such payment or expenses
from five such institutions during the previous six-month period. If the
proposed activities are not exactly as described, an
exchange visitor (J-1) or temporary work (H-1) visa
will be required.
MEDICAL ELECTIVE
An elective clerkship which affords practical
experience and instruction in the various disciplines of medicine under the
supervision and direction of faculty physicians at the U.S. medical school's
hospital may be undertaken on a B-1 visa, if the clerkship is an
approved part of the individual's
foreign school education and no remuneration will be received from the hospital.
If applying for a visa, a letter from the U.S. medical school outlining the
nature and duration of the visa and source of remuneration, if any, should
accompany the application. If traveling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program,
the letter from the school should be presented to the officer of the Immigration
and Naturalization Service at the port of entry. Students seeking training as physiotherapists,
dentists, nurses or vets require H-3 visas.
CONFERENCE
Participants in scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions, conference or seminars
may travel to the United States on a B-1 visa. The B-1 visa is also
the appropriate visa classification
to present a paper at the conference, provided there is no remuneration from a
U.S. source other than expenses incidental to the stay. Anyone who will receive
an honorarium in addition to incidental expenses may still be eligible for the
B-1 visa provided all of the following are met:
The activities will last no longer than nine days at a single institution;
The institution is a nonprofit research organization or a
governmental research organization, or an institution of higher education, or a
related or affiliated nonprofit entity;
Such activities are conducted for the benefit of the institution or entity; and
The delegate has not accepted such payment or expenses from five
such institutions during the previous six-month period. If the proposed
activities are not exactly as described, an exchange visitor (J-1)
or temporary work (H-1) visa will be required.
RESEARCHER
An individual who will engage in independent research may be eligible for a
B-1 visa provided there is no remuneration from a U.S. source and
the results of the research will not benefit the American institution. Those who
will receive payment from a U.S. source and/or the U.S. institution will benefit
from the results of the research, will require an exchange visitor (J-1) or
temporary work (H-1) visa will be required.
* Travelers who qualify may also be eligible to travel visa free under the
Visa Waiver Program.
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