# 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 |