Visas

Scholar Services

UTSA Policy on International Travel to Restricted Regions Department Guidelines for International Policies

Guide to Most-Used Visas

Commonly Used Visas for Academia

 
Name Length of Stay Eligibility
F-1 As long as academic progress continues.

Admission to academic course of study.

Evidence of adequate financial support for length of program.

Indication of adequate English language skills or opportunity to improve.
J-1: Student As long as academic progress continues.

Invitation to academic program with sponsorship.

Evidence of adequate financial support for length of program.
J-1: Scholar Five years.

Invitation to teach, lecture or conduct research.

Indication of adequate financial support for length of program.
H-1B

Three years initially.

Renewable for total of no more than six years.

Professional degree and skill.

Evidence that position to be filled requires professional skills and is temporary.
F-2 As long as F-1 maintains status.

Legal spouse or child of an F-1 student.

F-1 must prove financial support for each dependent.
J-2 As long as J-1 maintains status.

Legal spouse or child of J-1 visa holder.

J-1 must prove financial support (including insurance coverage) for each dependent.
H-4

As long as H-1B maintains status

(H-1B status is for a maximum of 6 years).

Legal spouse or child of H-1B visa holder.

H-1B and H-4 applicants must prove that they are not subject to the 212(e) two-year home residence requirement or that they have received a waiver.
B-1

Six months initially.

Renewable to 12 months total.

Letter of invitation academic or business purpose for visit to the United States.
B-2

Six months initially.

Renewable to 12 months total.

 Evidence of financial support and tourist plans.
O

Up to 3 years.

Can be renewed in increments of up to one year.

Applicant with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics or possesses extraordinary ability in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized for those achievements.
WB-WT

Fewer than 90 days.

Visa waiver for temporary visitor for business or tourism stays of fewer than 90 days.