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Office of International Affairs

Exchange Visitors Program / J-1 Exchange Visitors

Middle Tennessee State University welcomes visiting scholars, also known as Exchange Visitors (EV), for stays of varying duration in order to conduct research, teach, and/or consult with faculty members at the university. Such visits are in keeping with the university’s mission and goals, which express its aspiration “to combine the best qualities of teaching and research universities” and its commitment to “promote collaborative and innovative exchanges with other educational institutions.” Visiting scholars from abroad may especially contribute to the internationalizing of a campus that sees itself as “a regional university with a global outlook.”

More information for J-1 Exchange Visitors

Visiting foreign scholars and faculty are participants in the “Exchange Visitor Program” regulated and operated by the US. Department of State.

As a Program Sponsor, MTSU is authorized by the State Department to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program. A host of complex regulations limit the conditions and circumstances under which we can invite an Exchange Visitor and severely restrict the activities of the Exchange Visitor and dependents while in the United States. A visiting scholar may be invited as an EV in one of the following J-1 non-immigrant visa categories:

J-1 Visa CategoryIntent/Main ActivityDuration of Program
ProfessorTeach/lecture in the EV’s area of expertiseminimum 3 weeks;
maximum 5 years +
Research ScholarConduct research in the EV’s area of expertiseminimum 3 weeks;
maximum 5 years +
Short-Term ScholarEngage in short-term activities related to the EV’s area of expertise e.g. engage in research projects, guest lecture, conduct master classes, etc.minimum 1 day;
maximum 6 months
(Note: NO extension is allowed; there are no exceptions)

Other visa eligibility requirements: 

  • An exchange visitor cannot be a candidate for tenure track position.
  • An exchange visitor cannot be hired as a graduate assistant while engaging in intended activity throughout his/her stay.
  • EV’s in categories 1 and 2 are not eligible for repeat participation in the same category for a period of 2 years (24 months) after the end of the program.
  • Note: this rule does NOT apply to short-term scholars.

+ Although the maximum time is 5 years, it is our current practice to recommend initially one year with the possibility of extension. Evidence of financial support must reflect the entire duration of program at time of initial application.

For details on visa regulations, please consult the Office of International Admissions (Jones Hall), 615-898-2116.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Hosting a Visitor at MTSU

Exchange Visitor Application Packet 
Exchange Visitor English Language Proficiency Form 
(Submit with Application Packet)

Scholar Check-In List

MTSU J1 Visitors Handbook

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Information Links

Undergraduate 2023-2024 Catalog


International Student Viewbook


Tuition and Fees


Scholarships


Programs & Curriculum


Living on Campus



Office of International Affairs @ MTSU
international@mtsu.edu
Jones Hall 152