Who is eligible for a J-1 visa?
The ISchO is designated by Department of State to administer a J-1 program for scholars and to issue Forms DS-2019 to collegial level researchers and teachers “in the various fields of instruction and research conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for qualified foreign professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, and specialists.” This means that individuals enrolled in degree programs abroad are technically students and are not eligible for sponsorship through the International Scholars Office. Contact the International Students Office regarding Visiting Student criteria and procedures. MIT does not provide visa sponsorship for library, technical, administrative, or computer positions. A foreign national is eligible for MIT’s J-1 sponsorship if he or she will be: • holding a temporary MIT position (non-tenure track) • on an academic appointment, at least 50% time • appointed with the appropriate title (common examples: Visiting Scientist, Visiting Engineer, Vis
