Welcome to the Scholars site. Michigan State University is proud to support a rich tradition of international academic exchange, welcoming over 1200 visiting scholars per year from more than 90 different countries.

Current and future J-1 scholars will find resources here relating to establishing and maintaining J-1 visa status at MSU, plus information on visas for family members, community programs, and health care.

If you are interested in becoming a J-1 scholar at MSU, the first step is to establish a relationship with an academic department. Once the academic department has decided to host you as a J-1 scholar, it will submit an application to our office on your behalf. Please click here for a list of academic units at MSU.

Michigan State University’s Exchange Visitor Program number is P-1-00655.

Please note that regulations are complex and subject to change. It is your responsibility to keep current of changes via the OISS website or by contacting an OISS advisor.

Related Links:
Recent changes to the J-1 scholar visa program
Online Presentation: Scholar Visa Updates (ppt)
Summary of J-1 Research Scholar/Professor Restrictions (PDF)