Skip to content

Immigration Services

Sponsored Visa Types

There are several visa types that Clemson University may sponsor, depending on a multitude of factors. The most common visa type used for new and incoming scholars is the J-1 Research Scholar visa. Arrangements to sponsor alternative types of visas must be discussed with International Services.

Immigration Services will determine the most appropriate visa to use for each individual scholar. The type of visa chosen depends on many factors: the source and amount of the scholar's salary or funding, the nature and duration of the appointment, how soon the appointment will begin, and whether the individual is currently in the U.S. or has recently been in the U.S. and is therefore subject to certain restrictions. Scholars must not plan to enter the U.S. without the appropriate visa documents processed by Immigration Services.

Visa Type Overview IS Lead Time Needed Maximum Time Limit

J-1 Research Scholar/Professor

J-1 Research Scholars participate in research and related activities at the University.

J-1 Professors participate in teaching and research at the University.

At least 2 months prior to the anticipated start date.
  • Up to 5 years. 
  • Scholars become subject to the 24-month repeat participation bar upon ending their J-1 visa.
  • In some cases, scholars may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement.

J-1 Short Term Scholar

For professors or research scholars coming to the United States for an academic visit of six months or less.

At least 2 months prior to the anticipated start date.
  • Up to 6 months.
  • In some cases, scholars may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement.

J-1 Student Intern

For students enrolled in degree program abroad coming to Clemson for an educational internship.

At least 2 months prior to the anticipated start date.
  • Up to 1 year, if the student remains enrolled in a degree program abroad. The student intern cannot graduate while in the U.S.
  • Interns with internships longer than 6 months become subject to the 12-month bar on repeat participation upon ending their J-1 visa. 
  • In some cases, student interns may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement.

H-1B Visa

For faculty and research scholars who are coming temporarily to the United States to perform services in a specialty occupation. Must receive a Clemson salary.

At least 6 months prior to the anticipated start date.
  • Up to 6 years, applied for in maximum 3-year increments.

O-1 Visa

For faculty and research scholars who are individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, or education. The O-1 is a very complicated visa category subject to high levels of scrutiny by the U.S. government.

At least 6 months prior to the anticipated start date.
  • Up to 3 years initially; may be extended indefinitely in one-year increments. 
  • Due to the complexity, O-1s are used very infrequently and are outsourced to approved immigration attorneys.

TN for Canadians and Mexicans

For Mexican or Canadian citizens to be admitted to the U.S. to engage in "business activities at a professional level" in certain fields.

At least 2 months prior to the anticipated start date.
  • Up to 3 years initially; may be extended indefinitely in one-year increments.

E-3 for Australians

A temporary worker visa designated for Australian citizens coming temporarily to the United States to work in a specialty occupation.

At least 6 months prior to the anticipated start date.
  • Up to 2 years initially; may be extended indefinitely in up to 2 year increments

Legal Permanent Residence

The right to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. Also known as having a "green card". Generally, only available for tenure track faculty and high-level researchers.

Varies based on individual circumstances.
  • Indefinite

F-1 OPT

For students on an F-1 student visa who graduated from a degree program in the U.S.

At least 2 months prior to the anticipated start date.
  • Up to 12 months

F-1 STEM OPT

An additional two-year extension of OPT for certain F-1 students who studied in STEM fields in the U.S.

At least 2 months prior to the anticipated start date.
  • Up to 2 years

J-1 Academic Training

For students with a J-1 student visa who graduated from a degree program in the U.S.

At least 2 months prior to the anticipated start date.
  • Varies based on degree program length.
  • The J-1 student visa subjects students to the 12-month bar on repeat participation upon ending their J-1 visa.
  • In some cases, J-1 students may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement.