Positions & Visas
The Office of International Services (OIS) helps NC State University meet its teaching and research mission by administering the University’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. OIS supports the NC State’s academic departments and their visitors from overseas who are performing temporary teaching, research, and collaboration at the University. These "Exchange Visitors" bring to the NC State community their skills and knowledge, plus their traditions and cultures, applying a global aspect to the University’s mission. In exchange, these temporary visitors return to their home countries with new knowledge, experiences, and perspective. The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa is to be used for positions that are temporary and which fall outside of typical “employment”, and particularly for individuals who are not already in the U.S. These positions may be funded by any combination of NC State, home government/institution, or personal funding. The expectation -- and in some cases the requirement -- upon program completion is that the Exchange Visitor return to his or her home country.
Visa categories vary from position to position based on whether it is a paid or unpaid position and whether the position is temporary or permanent. Positions more permanent in nature, or which include duties and commitment beyond the scope of the Exchange Visitor visa would require visa support administered through the International Employment Office. For many positions, several visa options may be available depending on the applicant’s eligibility, country of citizenship, and whether he or she is already in the U.S. in a particular non-immigrant status. Generally, sponsorship for the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa is the standard for applicants coming directly from outside of the U.S.
It is left primarily to the hiring department to decide the title that will be given to an international Scholar. The following positions are generally suitable for the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa -- assuming the eligibility of the visa applicant. Currently, only individuals who can demonstrate completion of a U.S. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualify for NC State sponsorship as J-1 Scholars.
Temporary Positions
Any title with “Visiting” in front of it connotes a temporary status such as Visiting Assistant Professor, Visiting Scholar, etc. Other possible visa options for temporary positions include TN, H-1B, J-2 with work authorization, F-1 Student with Optional Practical Training (OPT), and J-1 Student with Academic Training (A.T.).
Post Docs
The Post Doc position at NC State is considered temporary, though. Approximately half of the Post-Docs at NC State University are international. Other possible visa options for Post Docs include TN, H-1B, J-2 with work authorization, F-1 Student with Optional Practical Training (OPT), and J-1 Student with Academic Training (AT). Non-immigration support for postdocs is available from the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
Unpaid Positions
International scholars who will be coming to NC State based on their own funding or home institution support often have position titles such as Visiting Scholar or Visiting Researcher. Other possible visa options for Unpaid Position J-2 with work authorization, F-1 Student with Optional Practical Training (OPT), and J-1 Student with Academic Training (A.T.). While visitor visa categories (B-1/B-2, etc.) may sometimes substitute, it is strongly preferred that all qualified visitors coming to NC State from overseas come under J-1 visa sponsorship.
Depending on the type of position the host NC State department will work in coordination with either OIS or International Human Resources. For Scholars coming to NC State on the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa, the department will request a Certificate of Eligibility Form DS-2019 from OIS, which will be used to procure the J-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate and to enter the U.S. The DS-2019 is issued in coordination with the academic department and should be requested a minimum of three months in advance of the Scholar’s expected arrival.