J-1 Exchange Visitors
The Exchange Visitor Program is managed by the U.S. Department of State. Its purpose is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. All scholars must prove English proficiency and adequate funding to cover cost-of-living expenses while in Peoria. Bradley University is an immigration sponsor of the Exchange Visitor Program. Bradley can host the following categories (see hosting responsibilities below the categories):
| Researchers |
J-1 Researchers are invited to conduct research in close collaboration with Bradley faculty on research that is of mutual interest and benefit. Research scholars may be paid or unpaid by the University. Research scholars must be researchers or professors at home, or have similar expertise and qualifications. They are eligible to stay in the U.S. from three weeks to five years. |
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| Professors |
J-1 Professors are invited to teach on the Bradley campus. Visiting professors who have been hired to teach university classes must be paid according to labor laws and must have an offer letter. Professors must be researchers or professors at home, or have similar expertise and qualifications. They are eligible to stay in the U.S. from three weeks to five years. |
| Short-Term Scholars |
J-1 Short-Term Scholars may be invited to teach, conduct research, consult, lecture, or engage in other professional activities for a short period. Short-term scholars may be paid or unpaid by the University. Short-term scholars must be researchers or professors at home, or have similar expertise and qualifications. They are eligible to stay in the U.S. from one week to six months and should have no plans to stay past the six month limitation. |
| Interns |
J-1 Interns may be involved in a variety of projects, including gathering data or information for research, but must be taking part in a bonafide internship. All interns must be hosted by a Bradley professor who will supervise their work. Interns may be paid or unpaid by the University. Department hosts must have an internship plan in writing that is agreed upon by both the host and student (see application process). Interns must be undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at an institution abroad and the internship must be considered part of their degree program. They are eligible to stay in the U.S. from three weeks to 12 months. |
Hosting Responsibilities
Hosting a scholar can be a wonderful and enlightening experience. To provide the best experience, departments will want to keep in mind that it is more than a written invitation; it is a commitment. Your department will actively collaborate with the scholar during the program and provide an experience that benefits both the scholar and Bradley.
Setting Goals and Objectives Early
You and the scholar should design a program that will allow the scholar to be engaged full-time with specific objectives to accomplish. Since scholars are granted a visa based on the details you provide in the application to invite, it is important that you take time to carefully plan your scholar’s program. Once the scholar receives their visa, they will not be able to change their program objectives or else it can be seen as a misrepresentation of the visa.
Screening
A participant's background, qualifications, and experience must be appropriate for their objectives and activities at Bradley. The scholar must also be proficient in English.
Emergency Contact
Sponsors and hosts must provide emergency, 24-hour contact information to their participants.
Monitoring/Supervision
Hosts must provide regular on-site supervision to ensure that scholars are accomplishing program objectives.
Other Considerations
Does the department have the time, space, equipment, facilities, time and resources to devote to a visiting scholar? Who in the department will help the scholar with finding a place to live; campus and community tours; opening bank accounts; learning about public transportation; shopping for apartment items; and helping children enroll in school (if applicable)?
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