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Immigration Services

J-1 Visa Scholars

Initial Steps

Immigration Services (IS) supports J-1 exchange visitors and scholars during their time at Clemson University. We provide immigration documents for visa applications based on the individual’s needs. Our advisors are highly trained in the nuances of obtaining entry visas for those individuals who are sponsored by the University. We also encourage our exchange visitors to take part in opportunities for cultural academic exchange. 

J-1 Exchange Visitor Categories at Clemson University 

Clemson University sponsors J-1 scholars for a variety of academic and cultural exchange purposes. After receiving sponsorship, visitors use Form DS-2019 to apply for a J-1 visa. We encourage scholars to engage with the Clemson community by sharing their research, culture, and language. 

For more information about the Exchange Visitor program, you can view the J-1 Welcome Brochure (PDF) published by the U.S. Department of State. 

Student

International students may join Clemson as full-time degree-seeking students in J-1 status. While there are some minor differences between J-1 and F-1 students, the primary reason individuals enter the US as J-1 students is based on the source of funding they receive. Students receiving funding from other sources, such as non-governmental organizations, usually also enter the US in J-1 status. Students must demonstrate adequate funds for the entire period of study in the US, so the J-1 status is not used by most international students. Students who receive funding from their home country’s government or the US (e.g. Fulbright) are issued a DS-2019 so they may apply for a J-1 visa. 

Non-Degree Student

In some cases, Clemson University will issue a DS-2019 to an international to enter the US as a non-degree student. There is a 24-month maximum stay for non-degree students. For more information on Clemson University’s Exchange Programs, please contact the Office of Global Education (OGE) Study Abroad Office. Individuals who are eligible for this Exchange Visitor category are participants in an academic exchange program between Clemson University and a foreign academic institution, or through a Memorandum of Understanding between the schools 

Short-Term Scholar

A short-term scholar is an individual sponsored by a Clemson department to join the University as a short-term scholar enters the US for a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training or instructing in special skills. This category has a maximum stay of six months. As with all Exchange Visitor categories, this is a non-tenured track position. 

Research Scholar 

A research scholar is an individual sponsored by a Clemson department to join the University to conduct research, observe or consult on a research project. A Research Scholar may also teach or lecture at the discretion of the sponsor. This category has a maximum stay of five years. As with all Exchange Visitor categories, this is a non-tenured track position. 

Professor  

A professor is an individual sponsored by a Clemson department to join the University to teach or lecture. A professor may conduct research at the discretion of the sponsor. This category has a maximum stay of five years. As with all Exchange Visitor categories, this is a non-tenured track position. 

Specialist

A specialist is an expert in a field of specialized knowledge/skill sponsored by a Clemson department to observe, consult or demonstrate the special knowledge or skill. This category has a maximum stay of one year. As with all Exchange Visitor categories, this is a non-tenured track position.