Research scholars and professors who are invited to visit the University of Florida to conduct research, observe, teach or consult on a temporary basis may be sponsored for the J Exchange Visitor program. The primary purpose of the J-1 exchange visitor program is to foster an exchange of ideas between Americans and foreign nationals, and to stimulate international collaborative teaching and research efforts. The exchange visitor category is an approval to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs; the primary purpose is for “Educational and Cultural Exchange”, not employment. This program enables the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations, and the contributions being made toward a peaceful and more fruitful life for people throughout the world; to promote international cooperation for educational and cultural advancement; and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world.

All UF visiting scholars are sponsored by an applicable academic department/center and the sponsorship process is initiated by the faculty sponsor in that department/center here at the University of Florida. Any scholar interested in visiting the University of Florida to pursue scholarly activities should contact an UF faculty members in field of interest to inquire about sponsorship to the J-1 Program. The Exchange Visitor Services (EVS) unit at UF's International Center (UFIC) is committed to ensuring the integration of international scholars, faculty and their families into the life of the University of Florida and the city of Gainesville. The EVS staff at UFIC is here to assist you with making a smooth transition to American culture and student life at the university.

For more information about inviting an international scholar or faculty to the University of Florida, please click here.