Immigration Services
Hiring International Researchers / Scholars
Hiring International Researchers/Scholars
Exchange Visitor Program
The Exchange Visitor Program, administered by the US Department of State (DOS), allows the Medical University of SC to use the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa status to invite foreign professors, research scholars, short-term scholars and specialists in the United States temporarily (a maximum of five years). Employment may be incidental to status.
J-1 scholar appointments at MUSC are in one of the following four categories:
| Category | Description |
| Research Scholar | "An individual primarily conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project" and "may also teach or lecture unless disallowed by the sponsor." This is the most common designation at MUSC. Five year maximum limit. |
| Professor | "An individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting" and "may also conduct research unless disallowed by the sponsor." Five year maximum limit. |
| Short-term Scholar | Individuals come to MUSC for short-term academic exchange for the purpose of lecturing, consulting or research. Six month maximum with no extension allowed. |
| Specialist | "An individual who is an expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skill coming to the US for observing, consulting, or demonstrating special skills." This designation is limited to one year only. |
The J-1 Exchange Visitor category may not be used for the following:
- The employment of persons in nonacademic staff positions
- Tenure-track or tenured faculty appointments
Foreign medical graduates who will be engaged in clinical activities, including training. The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) issues J-1 visas for the purpose of graduate medical training.