Program Quick Summary
Program Length
- 1~2 years [More]
Processing Time
- About 3 months [More]
Eligibility [More]
- Bachelor’s Degree + 10 years of professional experience, or
- Masters’ Degree + 5 years of professional experience, or
- Doctoral Degree
Eligible Cities
- Los Angeles Area (California)
- New York City Area (New York)
- Dallas or Houston Areas (Texas)
Overview
Prestigious Research Assistance Program
Research, Networking & Cultural Exchange
The Visiting Fellow Program offers opportunities for research, networking, collaboration, and cultural exchange to international professionals with a history of academic excellence.
Exclusive Research with Renowned U.S. Faculties
Stanley Prep’s Visiting Fellow Program is one of its kind, designed for not only academia but also for professionals to conduct relevant research with world-renowned faculties in the U.S.

Facts
2012
Program Founded
Total Participants
Total Partner Universities
Highlights

Partner with Premier Universities & Experts
Partner with over 10 prestigious universities known for their academic excellence and elevate your professional credentials under the guidance of expert faculty advisors with exceptional academic achievements and global networks.

Available in Major Cities in the U.S.
Our University Partners are strategically located in major cities of the U.S. where research and relevant industries are readily accessible.

World's #1 Brand
(by Number of Participants)
Since 2014, the Visiting Fellow Program has hosted more than 500 participants from all over the world. Our experience provides the most efficient ways to secure your research opportunity in your desired location.

Partner with Premier Universities & Experts
Partner with over 10 prestigious universities known for their academic excellence and elevate your professional credentials under the guidance of expert faculty advisors with exceptional academic achievements and global networks.

Available in Major Cities in the U.S.
Our University Partners are strategically located in major cities of the U.S. where research and relevant industries are readily accessible.

World's #1 Brand
(by Number of Participants)
Since 2014, the Visiting Fellow Program has hosted more than 500 participants from all over the world. Our experience provides the most efficient ways to secure your research opportunity in your desired location.
Our Services

Research Assistance
Research opportunity at a premier university in the U.S. is GUARANTEED. A faculty advisor at the university is also arranged to help you with your research and to connect you to U.S. experts in your field.

Professional Network
Your faculty advisor is an expert in your research area and would connect you to his or her circles of experts in your industry. Premier universities in the U.S. major cities would open a lot of doors and people.

Professional Reputation
You will be placed at a U.S. premier university that enhances your professional credentials and career advancement.

Local Assistance
Stanley Prep is a U.S. based company that can assist you with any local issues in the U.S. We are familiar with local regulations and cultures, so you are always safe and compliant while you are in the U.S.

Streamlined Process
We made the placement process fast and easy. The entire process takes about 3 months, between the application to getting a visa. We even replaced the official English test result requirement with our 10 to 15 minute English interview, saving you time and a headache.

Visa Interview Prep
You will receive a unique instruction guide on the visa interview process for researchers. You will be better prepared due to Stanley Prep’s extensive history and experience in this visa category.
Research Assistance
Research opportunity at a premier university in the U.S. is GUARANTEED. A faculty advisor at the university is also arranged to help you with your research and to connect you to U.S. experts in your field.
Professional Network
Your faculty advisor is an expert in your research area and would connect you to his or her circles of experts in your industry. Premier universities in the U.S. major cities would open a lot of doors and people.
Professional Reputation
You will be placed at a U.S. premier university that enhances your professional credentials and career advancement.
Local Assistance
Stanley Prep is a US-based company that can assist you with any local issues in the US. We are familiar with local regulations and cultures, so you are always safe and compliant while you are in the US.
Streamlined Process
We made the placement process fast and easy. The entire process takes about 3 months, between the application to getting a visa. We even replaced the official English test result requirement with our 10 to 15 minute English interview, saving you time and a headache.
Visa Interview Prep
You will receive a unique instruction guide on the visa interview process for researchers. You will be better prepared due to Stanley Prep’s extensive history and experience in this visa category.
Partner Universities
Stanley Prep has partnered with premier state & private universities that are well-known for their academic reputation because we believe that a fundamental aspect of achieving success is finding the right environment to foster your skills and promote your personal and professional growth.
California Baptist University (CBU), established in 1950, is a comprehensive Christian university located in Riverside, California. Known for its commitment to academic excellence and global engagement, CBU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs designed to prepare students and scholars to become leaders in their fields. With a mission to integrate faith and learning, CBU fosters an environment where intellectual growth is paired with personal and spiritual development, making it a distinctive destination for education.
CBU’s research programs provide a dynamic platform for innovation and collaboration. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary research across various fields, encouraging scholars to address global challenges through innovative solutions. International scholars and visiting researchers benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship from experienced faculty, and opportunities to engage in projects that contribute to academic and professional advancements. At CBU, research is not just an academic pursuit but a pathway to making a meaningful impact in the world.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), is one of the leading polytechnic universities in the United States, known for its “learn by doing” philosophy. Located in Pomona, California, Cal Poly Pomona offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs that emphasize hands-on, experiential learning. The university’s diverse and inclusive campus fosters innovation, critical thinking, and a collaborative spirit, preparing students and scholars to excel in their fields and make meaningful contributions to society.
Cal Poly Pomona is a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation, with strong emphasis on applied sciences, engineering, agriculture, business, and environmental sustainability. The university provides researchers access to state-of-the-art facilities, collaborative projects with industry partners, and mentorship from accomplished faculty. Through interdisciplinary research initiatives, Cal Poly Pomona empowers scholars to solve real-world challenges, contribute to technological advancements, and drive progress in their respective fields.
California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), located in Carson, California, is a vibrant institution committed to fostering academic excellence, diversity, and community engagement. CSUDH offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on social equity and regional impact. The university’s strong ties to local industries and organizations provide students and scholars with unique opportunities for hands-on learning and professional development.
CSUDH’s research programs emphasize applied studies in fields such as education, health sciences, public administration, and environmental sustainability. With its dedication to addressing societal challenges, the university supports faculty and student collaborations, encouraging innovative solutions and impactful research that benefit the community and beyond.
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), also known as The Beach, is a nationally recognized public university that blends academic rigor with a commitment to accessibility and innovation. Located in Long Beach, California, CSULB offers an array of degree programs across diverse disciplines and fosters an inclusive campus culture that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
The university’s robust research programs span areas like marine biology, engineering, healthcare, and the arts. CSULB provides state-of-the-art facilities, partnerships with industry leaders, and opportunities for interdisciplinary projects, empowering scholars to push boundaries and make transformative contributions to their fields.
The College of Staten Island (CSI), a senior college within the City University of New York (CUNY) system, offers a unique blend of academic excellence and community engagement. Located in Staten Island, New York, CSI provides a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, fostering intellectual growth and innovation. With a diverse and inclusive campus, CSI is dedicated to preparing students and scholars for success in an increasingly globalized world.
CUNY CSI is home to vibrant research programs that emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration in fields such as environmental science, technology, business, and the humanities. The college’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its Advanced Imaging Facility and Center for Environmental Science, support groundbreaking research that addresses real-world challenges. Through partnerships with industry, government, and other institutions, CSI empowers scholars to create impactful solutions that benefit both the local community and the broader academic landscape.
Long Island University (LIU), with campuses in Brooklyn and Brookville, New York, is a distinguished private university that combines academic excellence with personalized education. LIU offers a comprehensive range of programs and is dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles in an increasingly global society.
LIU’s research programs are highly regarded, particularly in fields such as pharmacy, business, data analytics, and environmental science. With access to cutting-edge facilities, partnerships with industry leaders, and mentorship from expert faculty, LIU scholars engage in research that drives innovation and addresses contemporary challenges.
New Jersey City University (NJCU), located in Jersey City, New Jersey, is a forward-thinking institution committed to providing affordable, high-quality education to a diverse student body. NJCU offers a wide array of programs that emphasize experiential learning and prepare students for impactful careers.
NJCU’s research programs focus on areas such as education, business, cybersecurity, and sustainability. The university promotes a collaborative research environment, encouraging students and faculty to explore innovative solutions to regional and global challenges while fostering academic and professional growth.
The University of Houston (UH) is a top-tier public research institution located in the heart of Texas. Known for its diverse campus and commitment to innovation, UH offers over 275 degree programs across a variety of disciplines, fostering academic excellence and leadership. As a Carnegie-designated Tier One research university, UH plays a critical role in advancing knowledge and addressing global challenges.
UH’s research programs are renowned for their impact in fields such as energy, healthcare, engineering, and business. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, interdisciplinary research centers, and strong industry partnerships, UH scholars are empowered to create transformative solutions that benefit both the local community and the world.
The University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) is a leading research university located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and innovation, UT Arlington offers over 180 degree programs designed to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. As a Carnegie R-1 institution, UT Arlington is recognized for its high level of research activity and contributions to critical fields.
UT Arlington’s research programs focus on areas such as engineering, healthcare, sustainability, and data science. The university’s commitment to collaboration and applied research enables scholars to tackle real-world problems, supported by cutting-edge facilities and partnerships with industries and organizations across Texas and beyond.
St. Edward’s University (SEU), located in Austin, Texas, is a private liberal arts university grounded in its Catholic heritage. SEU is known for its personalized education, small class sizes, and commitment to global engagement, providing students with the tools to become leaders in their communities and professions.
While SEU’s primary focus is on undergraduate education, its research programs offer unique opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty on projects that span fields such as environmental science, business, and social justice. The university encourages a hands-on approach to research, empowering students to apply their knowledge to address pressing local and global issues.
How to Apply
Academic & Professional Requirements
Final Degree |
Years of Professional Experience |
Eligible Length |
---|---|---|
Bachelor’s Degree |
More than 10 years |
One Year |
Master’s Degree |
More than 5 years |
One or Two Years |
Doctoral Degree |
Not required |
One or Two Years |
Other Requirements

Non-U.S. citizen

Minimum 30 years old

Must possess expertise or extensive professional experience in the intended research field that is aligned with research areas offered in host universities in the U.S.

Must have related work or education within the six months prior to the program start date

Must intend to enter the United States solely for the objective of this program; not to abandon non-immigrant status.

Must not intend to change status while in the United States.

Must be able to function in an English-speaking environment, during work and non-working hours. This must be verifiable via documentation from an educational institution, an English language test, or an interview with Stanley Prep staff.

Not restricted from traveling to the U.S.

Copy of Passport(s) (Including All Dependents)

University Transcripts and Copy of Diploma

Resume & Cover Letter

Research/Activities Plan

Proof of Employment (or Career Certificate)

Financial Statement
- For a 1-year program, the financial statement must reflect more than $50,000 (With more than 4 dependents, the financial statement must reflect more than $60,000)
- For a 2-year program, the financial statement must reflect more than $100,000

Proof of Health Insurance

Government-Issued Certificate of Participant and Dependent(s)

Submit online application and a non-refundable application fee
- Be prepared to submit official documentation which substantiates your education and employment qualifications.

Conduct a video interview to demonstrate English proficiency
- English proficiency is a requirement for this program. The video interview usually lasts about 15 minutes. If the result of this assessment is not satisfactory, another assessment can be arranged after one month with a nominal fee.

Application Evaluation
- Stanley Prep evaluates your complete application and issues a pre-acceptance decision within approximately 2 weeks. During this step, a Stanley Prep staff member may reach out with additional questions.

Receive a pre-acceptance letter, a program agreement, and a program fee invoice
- Expect to receive the pre-acceptance package in an email. Please let us know if you don’t receive it within two weeks after the English assessment, and we will make sure to resolve the issues.

Submit an electronically signed program agreement, consent & waiver forms, and evidence of program fee payment
- Follow the instructions in the pre-acceptance email to upload those electronically signed documents. Uploading the payment receipt you get from your bank would allow us to track your payment and expedite the process. Currently, we only accept a wire transfer of funds.

Submit all other required documents
- We collect only minimal necessary information to determine our pre-acceptance at the beginning stage. At this stage, we need to collect all required documents and evidence for Stanley Prep to issue the Invitation Letter and DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor) required for your J-1 visa.

Receive the Invitation Letter and DS-2019 forms
- Your application and required documents are reviewed and processed. Please allow 2 months for document processing after the program fee is paid. Sometimes, a host university may request additional documents or take more processing time during the peak seasons or staff vacations.

Make an appointment for your visa at nearby U.S. Embassy / Consulate
- After making an appointment online, you need to attend an appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy with the original DS-2019. Visa approval and issuance are at the discretion of the consular official. Visa appointment and processing wait times vary by city and time of year. On average, this process takes 2-4 weeks. Up-to-date information can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.
Academic & Professional Requirements
Final Degree |
Years of Professional Experience |
Eligible Length |
---|---|---|
Bachelor’s Degree
|
More than 10 years |
One Year
|
Master’s Degree |
More than 5 years |
One or Two Years
|
Doctoral Degree
|
Not required |
One or Two Years |
Other Requirements

Non-U.S. citizen

Minimum 30 years old

Must possess expertise or extensive professional experience in the intended research field that is aligned with research areas offered in host universities in the U.S.

Must have related work or education within the six months prior to the program start date

Must intend to enter the United States solely for the objective of this program; not to abandon non-immigrant status

Must not intend to change status while in the United States.

Must be able to function in an English-speaking environment, during work and non-working hours. This must be verifiable via documentation from an educational institution, an English language test, or an interview with Stanley Prep staff.

Not restricted from traveling to the U.S.

Copy of Passport(s) (Including All Dependents)

University Transcripts and Copy of Diploma

Resume & Cover Letter

Research/Activities Plan

Proof of Employment (or Career Certificate)

Financial Statement
- For a 1-year program, the financial statement must reflect more than $50,000 (With more than 4 dependents, the financial statement must reflect more than $60,000)
- For a 2-year program, the financial statement must reflect more than $100,000

Proof of Health Insurance

Government-Issued Certificate of Participant and Dependent(s)

Submit online application and a non-refundable application fee
- Be prepared to submit official documentation which substantiates your education and employment qualifications.

Conduct a video interview to demonstrate English proficiency
- English proficiency is a requirement for this program. The video interview usually lasts about 15 minutes. If the result of this assessment is not satisfactory, another assessment can be arranged after one month with a nominal fee.

Application Evaluation
- Stanley Prep evaluates your complete application and issues a pre-acceptance decision within approximately 2 weeks. During this step, a Stanley Prep staff member may reach out with additional questions.

Receive a pre-acceptance letter, a program agreement, and a program fee invoice
- Expect to receive the pre-acceptance package in an email. Please let us know if you don’t receive it within two weeks after the English assessment, and we will make sure to resolve the issues.

Submit an electronically signed program agreement, consent & waiver forms, and evidence of program fee payment
- Follow the instructions in the pre-acceptance email to upload those electronically signed documents. Uploading the payment receipt you get from your bank would allow us to track your payment and expedite the process. Currently, we only accept a wire transfer of funds.

Submit all other required documents
- We collect only minimal necessary information to determine our pre-acceptance at the beginning stage. At this stage, we need to collect all required documents and evidence for Stanley Prep to issue the Invitation Letter and DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor) required for your J-1 visa.

Receive the Invitation Letter and DS-2019 forms
- Your application and required documents are reviewed and processed. Please allow 2 months for document processing after the program fee is paid. Sometimes, a host university may request additional documents or take more processing time during the peak seasons or staff vacations.

Make an appointment for your visa at nearby U.S. Embassy / Consulate
- After making an appointment online, you need to attend an appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy with the original DS-2019. Visa approval and issuance are at the discretion of the consular official. Visa appointment and processing wait times vary by city and time of year. On average, this process takes 2-4 weeks. Up-to-date information can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.
Cost and Fees
Program, insurance, and SEVIS I-901 fees are mandatory for all programs. Fees are per participant and based on program length and participant status.
The program fee covers the evaluation and administrative support Cultural Vistas provides through the participant and host company application process; the issuance of visa sponsorship documents; orientation and resources provided to participants in preparation for their arrival to the U.S.; maintenance of the participant’s SEVIS record and on-going support throughout the training program; services including a 24 hour hotline available to participants and resources for filing appropriate tax forms; cultural activities organized in major U.S. cities; and more.
J-1 Trainee and Intern Program Fees
Program Length | Student * | Non-Student |
Up to 3 months | $900 | $995 |
Up to 6 months | $1,125 | $1,395 |
Up to 12 months | $1,375 | $1,695 |
Up to 18 months | N/A | $1,895 |
Participants are required to have insurance through Cultural Vistas. We offer three options for individual health insurance: Standard Lite for $60/month, Enhanced for $100/month, and Family Lite for $120/month. Accompanying family members on a J-2 may select either Standard Lite for $60/month or Family Lite for $120/month.
The SEVIS I-901 fee is a federally mandated fee that supports SEVIS, an automated system that tracks exchange visitors activity in the United States. Cultural Vistas pays the fee on behalf of the exchange visitor and issues a copy of the receipt. The original receipt will be mailed directly to the participant in his or her home country a few weeks later.
Please note that all J-1 Visa applicants must pay a fee of $185 to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where they interview for the visa. Canadian citizens are exempt from scheduling an interview and paying this fee.
Companies working with Cultural Vistas for the first time (or after a hosting gap of 3 years) must pay a one-time orientation fee. This fee covers vetting for eligibility and suitability and ensuring that your company meets the standards that are outlined by the U.S. Department of State for all J-1 Visa host companies. This fee is non-refundable and cannot be paid by the J-1 candidate. This is to guarantee that companies understand their responsibilities as a U.S. host company to a J-1 Visa holder (this includes training, supervision, evaluations to be completed by trainee and supervisor, etc). Once a company has hosted a successful training program, its registration is considered complete, and it can host subsequent programs. (A successful program is defined as a program during which both the mid-term and final evaluations were completed as required).
In-person site visits are required for companies with less than twenty-five full-time employees and less than $3 million in revenue. A host company can request an expedited site visit to be conducted within five days of application submission.
All complete applications are processed in 4 – 6 weeks. Application evaluations can be completed in five or ten business days by choosing “expedited service” on the individual or host company application form.
5 business days – $1,500
10 business days – $1,350
All exchange visitors traveling anywhere, excluding within the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, during their program must have their DS-2019 approved for travel.
This fee applies to amendments and replacement of the DS-2019 form.
This fee applies if you request to extend the length of an active program.
Program Extension Length | Fee |
---|---|
Up to 3 additional months | $550 |
3 to 6 additional months | $650 |
over 6 additional months | $750 |
This is the application fee for issuance of the DS-2019 Form for dependents of J-1 applicants. Extensions are available on a case-by-case basis.
Health insurance coverage is required for J-2 dependents. Accompanying family members on a J-2 visa may select either Standard Lite for $60/month or Family Lite for $120/month.
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Testimonials


Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need To Know
The following is the minimum standard applicable to a J-1 visa: Medical Benefit ($100,000), Repatriation of Remains ($25,000), Medical Evacuation ($50,000), Deductible per Accident or Illness ($500) Insurance must be purchased through Stanley Prep before entering the U.S.
The J-2 visa is granted to the dependents of the J-1 visa holder, and the dependents are eligible for free public education.

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