| For visiting scholars, visiting professors and researchers and short-term visitors. Not for tenured or tenured-track positions.Employment not required. | For professional employment. Must be full-time per university policy. |
| Five year maximum for research scholar and professor category. Six-month maximum for short-term scholars. | Six-year maximum. |
| May or may not be on payroll. Can use personal funds. | Must be on payroll and meet wage requirements. Status ends if employment ends. |
| Two-year home residence requirement in some cases limits future visa options. | No two-year requirement. |
| Usually not benefits eligible at U of I. | Benefits eligible if position qualifies. |
| Can transfer to other J sponsor for similar activity within 5-year limit. | Change of sponsor or position requires new H application, but portability allows new to employment to begin before new H is approved in change of sponsor cases. |
| Dependents in J-2 status can work with USCIS permission. | H-4 dependents may be eligible to work with USCIS permission under limited circumstances. |
| J program managed by US State Department. USCIS not involved when new J-1 comes from abroad or when extending. | All H-1B applications must be approved by USCIS. |
| Simple. One form needed to obtain status abroad or extend status. | Time-consuming applications. Prevailing wage assessment, Labor Condition Application and 10-day posting required. |
| No premium processing option. | Premium (expedited) processing an option for a fee. |
| Lead time: 2-3 months. More time needed if already in U.S. and applying for a change of status. | Lead time: 9 months or more, with possible options to expedite. |
| Numerous regulations for J-1s: specific insurance requirements, cross-cultural activity. | Employer must pay return transportation if employment ends early. |
| J visa applicant must have permanent address abroad, demonstrate strong ties to home country and have no plans to immigrate. | Dual Intent allows H-1 to apply for green card. No ties to home country required. |
| J-1 sometimes not an option if individual has finished another J program within last 12 months. | H-1B not an option if individual has two-year home residence requirement due to previous J-1 status. |
| Two-year bar on repeat participation as a Research Scholar or Professor after any amount of time. | One year bar on new H status after 6 years. Must be outside U.S. |
| No annual limit. | Annual limit (H-1 cap) not applicable to universities. |