Visiting professors, research scholars or specialists are eligible to participate in the Kent State University Exchange Visitor Program. The purpose of the program is to foster the exchange of ideas between Americans and foreign nationals and to stimulate  international collaborative teaching and research efforts. 

Participants in this Program enter the United States with a "J - 1" visa."  Their activities are primarily teaching, lecturing, observing or conducting research. 

The main differences between the J - 1, H - 1B and O - 1 are intent and purpose.  Please see the comparison chart for more information.

University as Sponsor
As a designated sponsor, the University is empowered by the Department of State to issue a Certificate of Eligibility (DS - 2019) for each visitor. The ISSS prepares and issues this form on behalf of the sponsor/host.  In order to request a DS - 2019, sponsors and hosts should review the procedures and complete the application forms, available by clicking on the following:

• Application Information and Procedure

• Application

You can send or fax the forms to the ISSS, along with verification of funding if appropriate. 

Categories and Limitations:
Although there are eight categories of exchange visitors; only five are of particular interest in the university context: Student, Short-Term Scholar, Research Scholar, Professor, and Specialist.

Student:  A student is admitted for the duration of the academic program, which may be extended to include a subsequent degree(s).

Short-Term Scholar: A short-term scholar comes to the United States for a period not to exceed six months to lecture, observe, consult and to participate in seminars,  workshops, conferences, study tours, professional meetings or similar types of  educational and professional activities.  No extensions are permitted.

Research Scholar:  A research scholar comes to the United States primarily to conduct research, observe, or consult in connection with a research project.  The research scholar may also teach or lecture.  Extensions are permissible so long as the length and visit does not exceed 3 years.

Professor:  A professor is an individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing or consulting.  A professor may also conduct research.  Professors and Research Scholars are admitted for up to three years. This period may be extended an additional six months by the program sponsor,  provided the extension is necessary to complete a specific project or research activity. These visitors are not eligible for tenure-track positions, except as a temporary replacement (term contract) for an absent tenured faculty member. 

Professors and research scholars may give occasional lectures and short-term consultations incidental to their primary activities.  If such activities will involve wages or other remuneration, the scholar must obtain authorization from ISSS. 

Specialist:  A specialist is an individual who is an expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skill who comes to the United States to observe, consult,  or demonstrate special skills.

Limitation of stay: There is a limitation of stay of three years for Research Scholars, Professors and Specialists.  Under extraordinary circumstances, extensions may be granted.  Contact ISSS for further information. 

12-Month Rule: Professors and Research Scholars may be subject to the 12-month rule.  This means that a Professor or Research Scholar outside the United States who has participated in an Exchange Visitor Program cannot re-enter the USA and participate in another Exchange Visitor Program as a Professor or Research Scholar if that person has been physically present in the United States for all or part of a 12 - month period preceding the start date for the new program. 

There are three exceptions to the 12 - month rule:

• Program transfer within the three-year limit. 
• Their physical presence was less than six months, and
• The applicant's presence was as a short-term scholar. 

• The program has been financed wholly or in part by the home or U.S. government. 
• The home country requires the Exchange Visitor's skills, services, and specialized training; or 
• The Exchange Visitor has received graduate medical training in the U.S.

J - 2 visa (Dependent of a J - 1 visa holder)
Dependents of J - 1 visa holders are authorized to work in the U.S. including in non-tenure track positions, but only with special authorization. That authorization requires the possession of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) valid for the requested period. The EAD is a “picture” identification card issued for any time up to the duration of the J - 1 principal's stay or a period of 4 years, whichever is shorter. Employment is unrestricted and is to be used “to support the family's customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things. Employment is not to be used to support the J - 1 principal.”

For more information about work authorization procedures click here for Visa Information, Procedures and Forms.  After reviewing this information contact ISSS (Telephone: 330 - 672 - 7980), for further information on requesting work authorization.