One of the primary objectives of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is the visiting scholar's engagement with American culture and academic practices. To achieve this goal, scholars and their exchange activities are expected to be in-person and on-campus as much as possible. Sponsors are also expected to provide in-person and on-campus supervision and/or collaboration. In practical terms, this means the following:
- Scholars are expected to work in-person and on-campus as much as possible.
- Remote or virtual work should be no more than 2 days a week.
- Greater amounts of remote or virtual work is acceptable when health and safety requires it.
Exceptions for Academic or Program Objectives
Scholars can work remotely when the academic or program objectives requires remote work or the remote work would benefit the scholar and enhance their exchange program. Such remote work is expected to be in-person, but may be off-campus. Here are some examples of acceptable remote work:
- Field work, data collection or archival research
- Consultations, meetings or conferences
- Single or occasional events, visits or other in-person activities
- Regular or on-going research/work at an off-campus location which is a defined part of the scholars' program. For example, a scholar in Public Administration who may be doing their research at local government offices. Any on-going activity at a third-party location MUST be reported to OISSS. Unauthorized third-party placement may result in penalties to the scholar and university.
- Third-party placements are not allowed for student interns.
Questions? Special arrangements needed?
Please contact us.