Visa Comparison
Source: https://oia.osu.edu/scholars/inviting-scholars-ohio-state/visa-comparison Parent: https://oia.osu.edu/
| J-1 Visiting Scholar | B-1/Visa Waiver Program | H-1B Temporary Worker | TN Canadian Mexican Professionals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Research, teaching, observation, consultation to benefit international exchange | Engaging in temporary professional activities (conventions, conferences, seminars, independent research, observing professional activity) | Employment in a specialty occupation (specific field of specialization) | Temporary employment for professionals under NAFTA |
| Initial Time | Short-term – up to six months Research scholar/professor – up to five years | B-1: (no pay/reimbursement only) – reasonable, up to six months B-1: (honorarium) – event lasting not more than nine days VWP: (no pay/reimbursement only) – up to 90 days VWP: (honorarium) – event lasting not more than nine days | Up to three years at a time Up to a total of six years | Up to three years |
| Extension | Can request an extension through the Office of International Affairs one month before DS-2019 expires Short-term: up to six months Research scholar/professor: up to five years | B-1: Extension of temporary stay may be granted by USCIS in increments of not more than six months up to a total time of one year Must show need; extensions are highly scrutinized VWP: No extension | Department must initiate extension six months prior to the expiration date Up to three years at a time Up to a total of six years | Can request an extension through USCIS or go home and cross the border again with a new letter |
| Intent | Return home at the end of the program – must declare temporary intent to obtain a visa | Temporary activities | Dual intent – may eventually seek PR | The job must be temporary |
| Position | No tenure-track faculty positions; appointment must be temporary | No employment May receive an honorarium for activities lasting not more than nine days | Positions requiring at least a Bachelor’s degree in a specific field of study | Employment of professionals |
| Restriction | Two-year home return requirement for some, but not all All research scholars/professors: 24-month repeat participation bar 12-month bar if previously in J status | No employment May receive an honorarium for activities lasting not more than nine days | Must be in an Ohio State salaried or hourly wage position | Only professions on the schedule qualify |
| Funding | Ohio State, personal funds, home institution, government, scholarship, etc | Personal funds, home institution | Salary/hourly wage paid with Ohio State paycheck | Salary paid with Ohio State paycheck |
| Minimum Funding | $19,200/year for J-1, additional funding required for spouse and children | Funding sufficient for length of stay | Prevailing Wage as determined by the National Prevailing Wage and Helpdesk Center | None |
| Processing Time | After IntBuckeye record and all required documentation have been submitted: three days | B-1: visa processing time at U.S. consulate VWP: no processing – obtained at border | NPWHC: up to six months U.S. Department of Labor: seven days Office of International Affairs after all documentation submitted: two weeks USCIS: up to four to six months | Canadians: no processing – obtained at border Mexicans: visa processing time at U.S. consulate |
| Documents Required for Visa or Entry at Border | DS-2019, department’s invitation letter, funding documentation if not being fully funded by Ohio State | Letter from department stating purpose of the trip, arrangements for covering costs of the trip and length of stay Funding documentation VWP: Obtain travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) | I-797 H-1B approval notice, petition packet | Letter from department stating profession, duties, purpose of entry, length of stay, educational qualifications, compensation |
| Fees | Visa fees at consulate or USCIS change of status fee, SEVIS fee, $425 Office of International Affairs fee | B-1: visa fees VWP: ESTA fee; land boarder fee (if applicable) | New H-1B: $2,460 Extension: $1,960 Optional Premium Processing fee: $2,805 Family: $370 | Canadians: $50 USD at the border Mexicans: Visa application fee |
| Dependents | J-2, eligible for work authorization | Would need to come as B-2 Visitor for Pleasure (tourist) | H-4, cannot work, must change status to work | TD, cannot work, must change status to work |