NOTE: J-1 Students should refer to the information found at the International Students tab above.
International scholars enrich Florida State University's community. The Center for Global Engagement appreciates the opportunity to assist university departments and international scholars through immigration support, pre-arrival information, and cultural programs.
The purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, under the US Department of State, is “to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges.” [Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (Fulbright - Hayes Act) of 1961]
As a J-1 Program Sponsor, Florida State University can invite J-1 Exchange Visitors, often referred to as scholars, to the university for the purpose of teaching, lecturing, conducting research, observing, or demonstrating special skills. The exchange visitor’s program must include components of cultural and educational exchange. Exchange visitors can be supported by external or personal funds, or they can be employed by FSU. Although J-1 status allows employment, the primary purpose of the program is not employment, but rather, cultural, and educational exchange.
Florida State University hosts the following types of J-1 scholars. The invitation process depends on the purpose of the visit, funding, and proposed length of stay.
Florida State University sponsors the following categories of the J-1 Program for research, teaching, and demonstrating special skills; Research Scholar/Professor, Short-Term Scholar, Specialist, and Student Intern.
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Research Scholar/Professor:
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Research Scholar: A scholar whose primary purpose is conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project at research institutions, corporate research facilities, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions. A research scholar also may teach or lecture when authorized by the sponsor.
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Professor: A scholar whose primary purpose is teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at post-secondary accredited academic institutions, museums, libraries, or similar types of institutions. A professor also may conduct research when authorized by the sponsor.
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Short-Term Scholar: A scholar who is a professor, research scholar, or person with similar education or accomplishments who enters the United States for a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions
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Specialist: A scholar who is an expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skills who enters the United States for the purpose of observing, consulting, or demonstrating special knowledge or skills.
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Student Intern: A student enrolled in and pursuing a degree at an accredited post-secondary academic institution outside the United States and is participating in a student internship program in the United States that will fulfill the educational objectives for his or her current degree program at his or her home institution.
Information in the links on the menu to the left provide general information about the invitation and immigration process for Visiting Scholars, Temporary Scholar Employees, and Fulbright Researchers, as well as other information pertinent to living in Tallahassee.
INCOMING AND CURRENT SCHOLARS, RESEARCHERS: The CGE scholar advisor (below) is available to assist departments and J-1 exchange visitors with immigration support.