IUPUI is Indiana's premier urban research university. The campus enrolls more than 30,000 students in 21 schools and academic units.
IUPUI Policy on J-1 Research Scholars/Professors and Student Status
J-1 research scholars/professors who wish to pursue programs of study may do so only on a part-time basis (maximum of 7 credit hours per semester for IU programs, 8 credit hours for Purdue programs). Additionally, they may not be appointed to student assistantship status (student academic appointee) or be awarded student fellowships while in research scholar or professor status. Letters from this office confirming admission will state these restrictions.
Background
In establishing its regulations for the activities of J-1 research scholars and professors, the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) defines a research scholar as "an individual primarily conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project." Similarly, a J-1 professor is "an individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at a post-secondary accredited educational institution" [italics added]. J-1 research scholars and professors are required to maintain their status by engaging in the research and/or teaching activities described on their IAP-66, which outlines their specific J-1 program.
Individuals in the U.S. in J-1 status are considered "exchange visitors," here to pursue a single objective. The expectation of the USIA is that the individual will return to his/her home country at the end of the J-1 program. In many cases, this return is mandated by a two-year home country residence requirement that makes a change of status to another visa category extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Although the J-1 regulations as written provide for a change of category--from J-1 research scholar to J-1 student, for example--in practice, the USIA rarely approves such changes. International Affairs has submitted several such requests, all of which have been denied. As a result, we will no longer submit such requests unless truly extenuating circumstances exist.
Options for prospective students
J-1 research scholars/professors who wish to pursue full-time study and who are not subject to the two-year home country residence requirement (or have obtained a waiver) are eligible to change to F-1 student status and are encouraged to do so. Those who are subject to the residence requirement may be able to obtain F-1 status by travelling outside the U.S. and obtaining an F-1 visa (the two-year residence requirement would still apply). Alternatively, if the prospective student is eligible for J-1 student status and prefers to obtain a new J-1 visa for the student program, a new IAP-66 may be issued for this purpose.
Prospective students subject to the residence requirement will need to consult carefully with the international student advising staff of the Office of International Affairs regarding these options.
