J-1 Exchange Visitor Program

Since its establishment as part of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (The Fulbright-Hays Act), the Exchange Visitor Program has served as a valuable and important diplomatic tool of U.S. foreign policy to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries. BridgeUSA is led by the U.S. Department of State in partnership with Oregon State University. It brings together the next generation of current and emerging young leaders through unmatched cultural and professional exchange programs. Throughout their exchange, participants will hone existing skills and develop new ones, unlock new personal and professional opportunities, and programs equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to thrive as leaders and to create lasting impact locally and globally.

OSU is a sponsor of the following exchange visitor program categories:


Professor

The exchange of professors promotes the exchange of ideas, research, mutual enrichment and linkages between research and academic institutions in the United States and foreign countries. The professor category is for a foreign national who enters the United States for the primary purpose of teaching, lecturing, observing, consulting or conducting research at OSU.


Research Scholar

The exchange of research scholars promotes the exchange of ideas, research, mutual enrichment and linkages between research and academic institutions in the United States and foreign countries. This category is for a foreign national who enters the United States for the primary purpose of conducting research, observing or consulting in connection with research projects at OSU and affiliated research institutions. A research scholar may also teach or lecture.


Short-Term Scholar

Professors, research scholars and other individuals with similar education or accomplishments travel to the United States on a short-term visit to lecture, observe, consult, train or demonstrate special skills at OSU and affiliated research institutions.


Student Intern

The student internship program is designed to allow foreign college and university students to come to the United States to gain exposure to U.S. culture and to receive hands-on experience in U.S. research and business practices in their chosen occupational field.


Specialist

Specialists are experts in a field of specialized knowledge or skills who provide opportunities to increase the exchange of ideas with American counterparts. This category is for foreign nationals who are experts in a field of specialized knowledge or skill, coming to the United States for observing, consulting, or demonstrating their special skills.


Third-Party J-1 Exchange Visitor Programs

Exchange visitors may participate in programs at OSU while their immigration sponsorship is managed by a third-party. Find out more information for exchange visitors on Academic Training, a Fulbright program, or other third-party sponsored programs.

Other Considerations

The Department of State (DOS) requires that all exchange visitors have medical insurance in effect for themselves and any dependents in J-2 status for the duration of their exchange visitor program. 

When you agree to participate in an Exchange Visitor Program and your program falls under certain conditions, you may be subject to certain bars to future program participation.

Exchange Visitors may request a DS-2019 document for their their spouse and/or children (under 21 years of age) to apply for J-2 status. The J-2 dependents will be able to stay in the US as long as the primary J-1 maintains status and remains in the United States. 

  • J-2 dependents may engage in part-time or full-time study
  • J-2 dependents may apply to USCIS for employment authorization