To be eligible for the J-1 Visiting Scholar Program, the exchange must meet the following basic requirements:
- The prospective scholar and PSU department must have a mutual interest in collaboration in a research or teaching area.
- The J-1 program may not be used for the sole purpose of employment, or for completely independent work with no relationship to the university.
- Scholars must hold, at minimum, the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in their field; OR
- Scholars must have the skills, experience or educational background appropriate for the exchange program activity.
- Although there is no minimum English language requirement, scholars must have a sufficient understanding of English to be successful in the exchange project or program and for day-to-day living in the U.S. The PSU host department will conduct an interview with the scholar in English or the scholar may provide other verification of English language proficiency.
- There are limitations on holding a J-1 status repeatedly. See information on Scholar Categories and the 12/24-month bars.
- The scholar must have adequate financial support for the exchange program (currently a minimum of $1,775/month). Financial support can come from the PSU host department, home country sources, grants, or personal funds.