Choosing the Right Immigration Status

Purpose of Visit	Length of Stay	Financial Support	Immigration Sponsorship	Processing Time	Special Notes
To attend a conference or seminar, deliver one-time lecture, observe, offer one-time academic consultation, or participate in a study trip	Normally 90 days	Any	Self	As earlier as possible; visa application at U.S. Consulate if not eligible for visa waiver	Immigration rules governing B visitor visa may also apply to people from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. Cannot be employed by �鶹��ýӳ��
To lecture, teach, observe, or attend longer seminar or conference	Up to 6 months	Any source including personal funding	�鶹��ýӳ��	No later than 3 months prior to start date	May return home after J-1 stay
To conduct research, may consult in connection with a research project; may teach or lecture as a visiting scholar	3 weeks to 5 years	Any source including personal funding	�鶹��ýӳ��	No later than 3 months prior to start date	Upon completion, subject to the 24-Month Bar on repeat participation as a J-1 Research Scholar/Professor Must return home after J-1 stay
To teach, lecture or conduct research as a visiting scholar	3 weeks to 5 years	Any source including personal funding	�鶹��ýӳ��	No later than 3-4 months prior to start date	Upon completion, subject to the 24-Month bar on repeat participation as a J-1 Research Scholar/Professor Must return home after J-1 stay
To work in one of the designated NAFTA occupations Must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico	Up to 3 years initially, with extensions but must prove temporary intent	100% �鶹��ýӳ�� salary	�鶹��ýӳ��	Can apply at border. If applying inside the U.S. in which case must initiate request no later than 3-6 months ahead of time if in U.S.	Mexican citizens must apply at consulate for visa; position must meet NAFTA Professions List guidelines
To work in a positon that requires someone of extraordinary ability to conduct research, teach, demonstrate, etc	Up to 3 years initially, with annual extensions thereafter	100% �鶹��ýӳ�� salary	�鶹��ýӳ��	NO later than 6 months prior to start date	Sufficient evdience required to prove their international claim Involves high cost and complex adjudication process at USCIS
To work in a specialty occupation position that requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific major field of study	Up to 2 years at a time, with extensions but must prove temporary intent	100% �鶹��ýӳ�� salary; must be certified by Department of Labor	�鶹��ýӳ��	No later than 3 months prior if visa process abroad, no later than 6 months prior to start date if within the U.S	The same qualifications as H-1B but a different length of stay
To work in a speciality occupation position that requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific major field of study	Up to 3 years at a time, with the personal maximum of 6 years	100% �鶹��ýӳ�� salary; must be certified by Department of Labor	�鶹��ýӳ��	No later than 6 months prior to start date	Option to upgrade to USCIS Premium Processing if speedy adjudication needed Dual intent allows for H-1B to apply for permanent residency without jeopardizing H-1B status