Inviting International Visitors to UC San Diego: Common Visa Classifications
J-1 Exchange Visitor
Non-student; paid and/or unpaid; select staff/academic titles; up to 5 years.
H-1B Specialty Occupation
Salaried; select staff and academic titles; up to 6 years.
Permanent Residency (PR)
Sponsorable by UC San Diego for select positions; scholar/faculty may self-petition without university sponsorship.
Trade NAFTA (TN)
Paid; specific occupations; Canadian or Mexican citizenship; no maximum limit.
B-1/B-2 Visitor
Unpaid (honoraria and reimbursement may be allowed in certain situations); independent research, consultation, or observation; up to 180 days.
WB/WT Visa Waiver
Unpaid (honoraria/reimbursement may be allowed in certain situations); independent research, consultation, or observation; up to 90 days.
F-1 Student
Paid/unpaid; in field of study; up to 1 year (29 months for STEM fields).
J-1 Student
Paid/unpaid; in field of study; up to 18 months (36 months for post-PhD).
J-2 Dependent
paid/unpaid; no employment restrictions (must have EAD); status dependent upon principal's J-1 status.