Scholars: Postdocs | Staff | Visitors | Faculty

J-1 scholars are nonimmigrants engaged in research or teaching at Caltech and JPL during their J program, as indicated by the temporary period of validity of their DS-2019s. See also information for J-2 Dependents.

Occasional Lectures and Short Term Consultations. J-1 scholars are only authorized to undertake the activities described in section 4 of the DS-2019. Professors, research scholars, and short term scholars may participate in occasional lectures and in short term consultations, with an international advisor's prior authorization. These lectures or consultations must directly relate to your program activities, must be incidental to your primary program activities, and must not delay the completion date of your program. You must consult with your international advisor before you engage in any activities not described on your DS-2019.

Work Sites. The J-1 program is site specific. Please contact your international advisor if you are going to be engaged in activities that are located off campus so that we can update your SEVIS record.

Funding. Your DS-2019 should accurately represent your funding sources. Please contact your international advisor if your funding source is going to change so that we can update your DS-2019.

H-1B Temporary Workers in a Specialty Occupation are nonimmigrants who are authorized to engage in employment for a specific employer in the United States. A specialty occupation requires theoretical and practical application of a body of knowledge in a professional field and at least the attainment of a bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States. See also Maintaining H-1B Status.

The private sector cap on H-1B does not apply to academic institutions and federal labs. USCIS authorizes 65,000 new H-1B for positions in industry each fiscal year. There are an additional 20,000 H-1Bs available for individuals with a U.S. master's degree or higher each fiscal year. This annual limit on the number of H-1Bs for the private sector is referred to as the H-1B cap. H-1B academic institutions, certain nonprofit research organizations, and government employers are exempt from the cap and can file H-1B petitions at any time.

The TN nonimmigrant classification permits qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the United States to engage in business activities at a professional level. A list of TN professionals can be found on Appendix 1603.D.1. See also Maintaining TN Status.

The E-3 nonimmigrant classification permits Australian citizens come to the United States to perform services in a specialty occupation. A specialty occupation requires theoretical and practical application of a body of knowledge in professional fields and at least the attainment of a bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States. See also Maintaining E-3 Status.

The O-1 nonimmigrant classification is for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. See also Maintaining O-1 Status.

Employment is NOT authorized for visitors for business in B-1 or WB status. See also Maintaining B-1 and WB Status.