What is the difference between a J-1 Research Scholar and a Professor?

FAQ.

Answered by Robin Catmur-Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center

Last updated: July, 2026

What is the difference between a J-1 Research Scholar and a Professor?

The distinction is your primary activity. A Professor primarily teaches or lectures; a Research Scholar primarily conducts research. Job titles alone don’t determine the category — what matters is your main purpose.

How they compare

• Professor — primary activity is teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at an accredited university or similar institution. Research is allowed as a secondary activity if approved. (Not appropriate for tenure-track positions.)

• Research Scholar — primary activity is conducting research, observing, or consulting on a research project. May teach or lecture if approved.

Both allow some crossover (a Research Scholar may teach occasionally; a Professor may do research) when approved by the sponsor and consistent with the DS-2019. Both have a 5-year maximum and a subsequent 24-month bar on repeat participation.

References: 22 CFR 62.4(e)-(f)