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 or employ foreign professors, research scholars, short-term scholars and specialists in the United States temporarily (a maximum of three years).
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. Three yearmaximum limit.
Professor
"An individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting" and "may also conduct research unless disallowed by the sponsor." Three yearmaximum limit.
Short-term Scholar
Individuals come to MUSC for short-term academic exchange for the purpose of lecturing, consulting or research. Six monthmaximum 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 toone yearonly.
The J-1 Exchange Visitor categorymay notbe 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.
