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Departments: How to Host a J-1 Scholar

This section includes guidelines and departmental process for hosting an exchange visitor.  For more information you can browse the other J-1 Scholars web pages, or email globalscholars@boisestate.edu.

How to Host an Exchange Visitor

The correct visa for an international scholar depends on various factors, including the position and the scholar.

– The J-1 visa is not suitable for permanent, tenured or tenure-track positions.

– Exchange visitors can be paid by Boise State, but they are not required to be.  They can be funded by their home government, other organizations, or personal funds.  Exchange visitors must show enough financial support to cover estimated living expenses in Boise.

– Postdoctoral scholars often come to Boise State on J-1 visas (if they are not already in the US on an F-1 student visa).

– Cultural and academic exchanges are a requirement of the Exchange Visitor Program.  Boise State, the hosting department, and the exchange visitor should collaborate and share an interest in the proposed program.

– The exchange visitor must possess sufficient proficiency in the English language in order to function successfully in the program and on a day-to-day basis in the United States.

– The majority of exchange visitors come to Boise State as Research Scholars, Professors, or Short-term Scholars.  Choose the appropriate category based on the program objectives and the length of the program.

Category Activities Duration Education Bars
Research Scholar primarily conducting research, observing, or consulting with a research project 3 weeks to 5 years Bachelor’s degree or higher required subject to 24-month bar on repeat participation
Professor primarily teaching, lecturing, and/or observing 3 weeks to 5 years Bachelor’s degree or higher required subject to 24-month bar on repeat participation
Short-term Scholar observing, consulting, training, lecturing, and/or demonstrating 1 day to 6 months Bachelor’s degree or higher required N/A
Specialist observing, consulting, or demonstrating specialized knowledge or skills 3 weeks to 12 months Expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skill may be subject to 12-month bar on future participation as a Research Scholar or Professor