| Category | Activity at UCI | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Research Scholar | Individual primarily conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project may teach or lecture. | 3 Weeks to 5 Years |
| Short-Term Scholar | A professor, research scholar, or specialist, coming for a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills. | 6 Months |
| Professor | An individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting. May also participate in departmental research. | 3 Weeks to 5 Years |
Exchange visitors in the categories above may be subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement.
Changing J-1 Exchange Visitor Categories
J-1 Exchange Visitors are not allowed to change to a different J-1 category within the U.S.; a change of J-1 category is possible by departing the U.S. and re-entering in a new category.