J-1 Researchers, Professors and Scholars

The University of Bridgeport has four categories of Exchange Visitors that are appropriate for researchers and professors. Individuals seeking to participate in one of these categories should contact the Office of the Provost and the International Affairs Office for additional information. The categories are:

Professor: This is for individuals who are primarily involved in teaching, lecturing, observing and/or consulting in their fields of expertise. Professors may also engage in related research. The minimum duration of stay is three weeks and the maximum duration of this category is three years.

Researcher: This category is for individuals who are primarily involved in conducting research, observing or consulting in connection with a research project in their fields of expertise. Research Scholars may also teach or lecture, incident to their research. The minimum duration of stay is three weeks and the maximum duration of this category is three years.

Short-term scholar: This category is for individuals who are primarily involved in lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills. Commonly, this will include participation in seminars, workshops, conferences and professional meetings. This category is not subject to the 3 weeks minimum duration of the professor, researcher, and specialist and is ideal for programs and visits from 1 day to a maximum of 6 months.

Specialist: This category is for individuals who are experts in their field who are coming to the U.S. for observation, consulting, or demonstrating special skills. This category is not for use for permanent or long-term positions of employment in the U.S. This category is not intended for use if the professor, research scholar or short-term scholar category is appropriate. The minimum duration of stay is three weeks and the maximum duration of this category is one year.