Short-Term Scholars, Professors, Research Scholars, Specialist
Minimum qualifications: Preferred Masters or other academic certifications or experience with considerable academic experience in the field in which the exchange program will be conducted.
Professors and Research Scholars:
The Exchange visitor has not been physically present in the United States as a J-1 nonimmigrant visitor, for all or part of the twelve months period immediately preceding the start date of the program. UNLESS –
A. Transfer sponsorship;
B. The Exchange visitor presence in the United States was of less than six months;
C. The Exchange visitor’s presence in the United States was pursuant to a short- term scholar program.
Trainee
Trainees must be foreign nationals who have either a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related work experience in their occupational field acquired outside the United States or five years of work experience outside the United States in their occupational field. Training Programs must not duplicate the participants' prior work experience or training received elsewhere.
Students, Post-Secondary (College and University)
Secondary academic credentials required: transcripts, diploma(s) or degree certificate(s) certifying degree(s) attained in home country of nationality or last legal residence with English translations. Regulations governing this Exchange Category requires that students must be supported substantially by funding from any source other than personal or family funds.
Program participants must meet all these requirements in order to be considered for J-1 nonimmigrant visa sponsorship through IIE.
Study America participants must possess sufficient proficiency in the English language to participate in an exchange program in the United States. IIE as the J-1 nonimmigrant visa sponsor, must determine that exchange visitors have verifiable English language skills sufficient to function on a day-to-day basis in their program environment.
English language proficiency must be verified by either a recognized English language test such as: TOEFL, Michigan Test of English, Test of English for International Communication, IELTS or by signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school or through an interview conducted by the host organization or IIE.
English Language Proficiency Report
A citizen of a foreign country, who wishes to enter the United States and participate in Study America - Cultural and Professional Exchange Programs must first obtain a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay. Please note that visa applications are subject to review and approval by a U.S. Consular Official.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides the exchange visitor (EV) J nonimmigrant visa category for persons who are approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the U.S. This means that before an EV can apply at an American Embassy or Consulate for a J-1 visa they must apply and meet the requirements for one of the Exchange Visitor Program categories that IIE sponsors. It is required that the EV applies for the J-1 visa in their home country.
Changes introduced shortly after September 11, 2001 involve extensive and ongoing review of visa issuing practices as they relate to national security. Visa applications are now subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. Applicants affected by these procedures are informed of the need for additional screening at the time they submit their applications. So it is important to apply for the visa well in advance of the exchange program start date.
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission from the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. immigration inspector to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.