Scholar Visa Types

Welcome to Harvard!

Before the HIO can consider visa sponsorship, you must receive an offer of an academic appointment from Harvard University. Once the academic appointment is confirmed, the sponsoring department at Harvard (or affiliated hospital) submits required intake information to the HIO via ISD. This information includes confirmation that there is a Harvard academic appointment and that there are adequate funds for the visit if Harvard is not funding the position. The HIO will work with your sponsoring department to determine which visa is most appropriate given the details of the academic appointment, available funding, and your background.

J Scholar Visa

The J-1 visa allows academic institutions and other educational exchange programs to sponsor international researchers to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States. This is the most commonly used visa for visiting research scholars.

H-1B Visa

A temporary worker visa designated for full-time salaried individuals coming temporarily to the United States to work in a specialty occupation. 

O-1 Visa

A temporary worker visa designated for individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, arts or athletics; and individuals of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industries.

TN Visa

Enables Canadian and Mexican citizens to be admitted to the United States to engage in "business activities at a professional level" in certain occupations.

E-3 Visa

A temporary worker visa designated for Australian citizens coming temporarily to the United States to work in a specialty occupation.

B Visa & ESTA

The B-1 visa is for a visitor coming temporarily to the United States to participate in scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences, or seminars. The B-2 visa is generally for pleasure or medical treatment. The B visa or ESTA is not appropriate for students or long-term scholars coming to Harvard University, nor to scholars who are coming to collaborate with Harvard faculty members or primary investigators.

Permanent Residence

Permanent Residence is the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Harvard University is able to provide employer sponsorship for certain faculty and high level researchers.