Minimum and maximum period of participation
The maximum period of participation under this category is six months. There is no minimum period of participation required; therefore, this category can be used for programs and visits of short duration lasting from one day to six months. If an exchange visitor is admitted as a short-term scholar for less than six months, his/her program can be extended up to the six-month maximum, but a program can never be extended beyond six months.
Exemption from 12- and 24-month bars
The 12- and 24-month bars are not applicable to the Short-Term Scholar category. This is advantageous in that it allows an individual to return to the Unites States and participate in a J-1 program for a longer period of time as a Professor or Research Scholar.