Scholars

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The University of Southern Mississippi welcomes international scholars (J-1 Exchange Visitors) who are invited, hired, or appointed by a department, office, school, college, or institute of the university for the purposes of study, long-term or short-term research, teaching, or training. There are several different categories within the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program for scholars, including: 

• Research Scholars
• Short-term Scholars
• Professors 

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is a temporary, nonimmigrant program. This visa category should not be used by departments or internationals for permanent employment positions or to seek Permanent Residency. 

The purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges.” The Department of State issues J-1 visas and oversees regulatory and administrative aspects of the J Visa Exchange Visitor Program. 

The Center for International Education can also invite student interns and exchange students using the J-1 Exchange Visitor category.