Non-Immigrant Status Options

The type of visa an international scholar needs depends on the type of work they will do in the US. ISSS helps departments decide which visa is the best choice. For a brief overview of the different immigration status types, review the "Choosing the Right Immigration Status" table (below). It can also be downloaded here. Below are some frequently used immigration categories at Emory.

Immigration Categories

J-1 Status

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program promotes cultural and educational exchange between US citizens and foreign nationals. It provides international students and scholars with opportunities to participate in exchange programs in the United States and then return home to share their experiences. J-1 exchange visitors can come to Emory in one of several student or scholar categories. Learn more about J-1 Exchange Visitors.

H-1B Status

H-1B status is used for people who will perform services in a specialty occupation on a temporary basis. At Emory, it can be used to bring temporary faculty, researchers, consultants, administrators, or other professionals to the US. Learn more about H-1B Temporary Workers.

O-1 Status

O-1 temporary workers possess extraordinary ability, have risen to the very top of their field of endeavor, and are coming to the US to continue work in their area of extraordinary ability on a temporary basis. Learn more about O-1 Temporary Workers.

TN Status

TN status allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in certain professions in the US on a temporary basis. Learn more about TN NAFTA Professionals.

E-3 Status

E-3 status is used for Australian nationals who will perform services in specialty occupations on a temporary basis. At Emory, it can be used to bring faculty, researchers, or other highly specialized professionals to the US. Learn more about E-3 Australian Workers.

Short Term Visitors (B-1, B-2, WB, or WT Status)

Each year, Emory welcomes international visitors from all over the world. Our partnerships and exchanges with foreign colleagues and institutions abroad enhance our programs, create new collaborative research opportunities, and enrich our community. Most international scholars who are visiting Emory for a short period of time come to the US in B-1, B-2, WB, or WT status. For more information, visit the US Department of States' Visitor Visa page.

Inviting departments and short-term visitors should discuss visits with an ISSS scholar advisor before their arrival to make sure that any reimbursements, honorarium, or other payments can be made. For more information, please review Emory's Global Service's Hosting Visitors page.

Choosing the Right Immigration Status

Purpose of Visit	Type of Status	Length of Stay	Financial Support	Immigration Sponsorship	Processing Time	Special Notes
To attend a conference or seminar, deliver one-time lecture, offer onetime academic consultation, or participate in a study trip.	B-1, B-2, WB or WT Visitor	Normally 90 days	Any; if honorarium by Emory, must meet the 9-5-6 rule.	Self	As earlier as possible; visa application at U.S. Consulate required if not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (with ESTA authorization).	Majority of immigration rules governing B visitor visa also apply to people from the countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. Cannot work for or be employed by Emory.
To lecture, teach, observe, or attend longer seminar or conference.	J-1 Short-Term Scholar	Up to 6 months	Any source including personal funding.	Emory	No later than 3 months prior to start date.	Must return home after J-1 stay Back-to-back J-1 scholar visits aren’t allowed; must have at least one academic year apart and for a different J-1 objective.
To participate in a student internship program that will fulfill post-secondary degree objectives back home.	J-1 Student Intern	3 weeks to 12 months	Any source including personal funding	Emory	No later than 3 months prior to start date. Inquire with ISSS first as there is a designated paid position in PeopleSoft HR that must be used.	Not the same as J-1 Intern; must be currently enrolled in university outside US; not available to people who have already graduated. Must return to home school abroad to resume their post-secondary studies immediately afterwards.
To conduct research - may teach or lecture.	J-1 Research Scholar	3 weeks to 5 years	Any source including personal funding	Emory	No later than 3-4 months prior to start date.	No tenure track; upon completion, subject to the 24-Month Bar on repeat participation as J-1 Research Scholar/Professor. Must return home after J-1 stay.
To teach, lecture, or conduct research.	J-1 Professor	3 weeks to 5 years	Any source including personal funding	Emory	No later than 3-4 months prior to start date.	No tenure track; upon completion, subject to the 24-Month Bar on repeat participation as J-1 Research Scholar/Professor. Must return home after J-1 stay.
To demonstrate highly specialized skills or consult in connection with a research project.	J-1 Specialist	3 weeks to 12 months	Any source including personal funding	Emory	No later than 3-4 months prior to start date.	Must be a world-renowned expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skills. After completion, may not return as J-1 Research Scholar or Professor for 12 months. Must return home after J-1 stay.
To work in a specialty occupation position that requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific major field of study Note: Emory does not sponsor part-time H-1Bs.	H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker	Up to 3 years at a time; with the personal maximum of 6 years	100% Emory salary; the wage offered must be certified by Department of Labor.	Emory	No later than 6 months prior to start date.	Option to upgrade to USCIS Premium Processing if speedy adjudication is needed. Dual Intent allows for H-1B to apply for permanent residency without jeopardizing H-1B status.
To work in one of the designated NAFTA occupations. Must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico.	TN NAFTA Professional	Up to 3 years initially, with extensions but must prove temporary intent	100% Emory salary	Emory	Can apply at border; if applying within the US in which case must initiate request no later than 3-6 months ahead of time.	Mexican citizens must apply at consulate for entry visa; position must meet NAFTA Professions List guidelines; no tenure track positions.
To work in a position that requires someone of extraordinary ability to conduct research, teach, demonstrate, etc. Must have achieved and sustained international acclaim as a person of extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, etc.	O-1 Person of Extraordinary Ability	Up to 3 years initially, with annual extensions thereafter	100% Emory salary	Emory	No later than 6 months prior to start date	Sufficient evidence required to prove their international acclaim. Involves high cost and complex adjudication process at USCIS.
To work (full time) in a specialty occupation position that requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific major field of study. Only available to Australian citizens.	E-3 Australian Treaty Worker	Up to 2 years at a time, with extensions but must prove temporary intent	100% Emory salary; the wage offered must be certified by Department of Labor	Emory	No late than 3 months prior if visa process abroad; no later than 6 months prior to start date if within the US.	The same qualifications as H-1B but a different length of stay. E-3 spouse can apply for work permission with USCIS. Inquire with ISSS first for processing details.

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