Program Quick Summary
Program Length
- 1~2 years [More]
Processing Time
- About 3 months [More]
Eligibility [More]
- Professors, or
- University Lecturers with Doctoral Degree, or
- Researchers
Eligible Cities
- Los Angeles Area (California)
- New York City Area (New York)
- Dallas or Austin Areas (Texas)
- Seattle Area (Washington)
- Washington D.C.
- Boston (Massachusetts)
- Atlanta Area (Georgia)
Overview
Advancing Research Through Global Collaboration
Connections to Prestigious Institutions
Gain access to collaborative research opportunities with top-tier universities in the United States.
Global Academic Network
Build relationships with fellow scholars from around the world, expanding your professional horizons.
World-Class Resources
Engage in groundbreaking research with the support of leading faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.

Highlights

World-Class Research and Engagement
Designed for professors and researchers across diverse disciplines, this program offers workshops, symposiums, and guest lectures tailored to your field, fostering innovation and meaningful collaborations.

Experience Academia Across Major U.S. Cities
Our Visiting Scholar Program offers opportunities in key metropolitan areas across the United States. Scholars can immerse themselves in vibrant academic communities, collaborate with distinguished American professors, and access resources in their desired cities.

Flexible Program Length and Visa Sponsorship
Choose a program length from 1 to 2 years, with options for extension. We also provide visa sponsorship for participants and their accompanying family members, ensuring a smooth transition.

World-Class Research and Engagement
Designed for professors and researchers across diverse disciplines, this program offers workshops, symposiums, and guest lectures tailored to your field, fostering innovation and meaningful collaborations.

Experience Academia Across Major U.S. Cities
Our Visiting Scholar Program offers opportunities in key metropolitan areas across the United States. Scholars can immerse themselves in vibrant academic communities, collaborate with distinguished American professors, and access resources in their desired cities.

Flexible Program Length and Visa Sponsorship
Choose a program length from 1 to 2 years, with options for extension. We also provide visa sponsorship for participants and their accompanying family members, ensuring a smooth transition.
Our Services

Faculty Match
We connect you with American professors whose expertise aligns with your research interests, fostering meaningful mentorship and collaboration opportunities.

Research Assistance
Gain access to valuable research resources, including libraries, archives, and tools. We also provide guidance on navigating institutional protocols and making the most of available academic facilities.

Program Application Assistance
We simplify the application process by guiding you step-by-step, ensuring all your documents meet the requirements and are submitted to the appropriate institutions.

Visa and Immigration Support
Our team assists you with the U.S. visa application process, including J-1 visa documentation and compliance with immigration requirements, so you can focus on your academic and research goals.

Research Orientation and Workshops
Gain insights into U.S. research practices through our comprehensive orientation sessions, which cover everything from institutional protocols to academic resources and tools.

Cultural and Communication Training
Prepare for success with our pre-arrival workshops, designed to familiarize you with U.S. academic culture and enhance your communication skills for a seamless transition.

Networking and Professional Development
Expand your academic network through mentorship opportunities, collaborative events, and connections with scholars, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Faculty Match
We connect you with American professors whose expertise aligns with your research interests, fostering meaningful mentorship and collaboration opportunities.
Research Assistance
Gain access to valuable research resources, including libraries, archives, and tools. We also provide guidance on navigating institutional protocols and making the most of available academic facilities.
Program Application Assistance
We simplify the application process by guiding you step-by-step, ensuring all your documents meet the requirements and are submitted to the appropriate institutions.
Visa and Immigration Support
Our team assists you with the U.S. visa application process, including J-1 visa documentation and compliance with immigration requirements, so you can focus on your academic and research goals.
Research Orientation and Workshops
Gain insights into U.S. research practices through our comprehensive orientation sessions, which cover everything from institutional protocols to academic resources and tools.
Cultural and Communication Training
Prepare for success with our pre-arrival workshops, designed to familiarize you with U.S. academic culture and enhance your communication skills for a seamless transition.
Networking and Professional Development
Expand your academic network through mentorship opportunities, collaborative events, and connections with scholars, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Partner Universities
Stanley Prep has partnered with prestigious research universities across the United States, known for their cutting-edge facilities, world-class faculty, and commitment to academic excellence. This partial list of our partner universities offers visiting scholars unparalleled opportunities to access state-of-the-art research resources, collaborate with distinguished faculty, and engage in interdisciplinary projects that drive innovation. Through these partnerships, we ensure that our Visiting Scholar Program participants are equipped with the resources, networks, and support needed to advance their academic and professional pursuits while contributing to global research and scholarship.
Baylor University, located in Waco, Texas, is a private Christian university known for its academic rigor, strong sense of community, and commitment to service. Baylor offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, preparing students for leadership roles across various fields. The university places a strong emphasis on research, education, and the integration of faith and learning.
Baylor’s research programs focus on areas such as health sciences, business, law, and environmental sustainability. The university’s research centers, including the Institute for Biomedical Studies and the Center for Family and Community Ministries, encourage collaboration and innovation that leads to impactful, real-world solutions.
Texas A&M University at College Station is one of the largest and most prestigious public research institutions in the United States. As a flagship university of the Texas A&M System, TAMU is known for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and global impact. With a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, the university fosters innovation and discovery across multiple disciplines, preparing students and scholars to address complex global challenges.
TAMU is recognized as a Tier 1 research university, with world-class facilities and renowned research centers in fields such as engineering, agriculture, energy, and biomedical sciences. The university is home to the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, the Institute for Advanced Study, and the Bush School of Government and Public Service, among many others. Through extensive industry partnerships and government collaborations, Texas A&M continues to drive groundbreaking research that shapes the future of technology, policy, and society.
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is a world-renowned public research university located along the picturesque coastline of California. UCSB offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, global engagement, and innovation. The university’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its numerous accolades and its vibrant intellectual community.
UCSB’s research programs are distinguished by their focus on cutting-edge fields such as environmental science, physics, engineering, and social sciences. The university is home to several world-class research centers, including the Institute for Energy Efficiency and the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, fostering groundbreaking research that addresses global challenges and contributes to technological advancements.
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is a flagship public research university that ranks among the best in the world. Located in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, UT Austin offers a wide array of programs across all levels, providing students with opportunities for intellectual growth, professional development, and community engagement.
UT Austin is renowned for its research excellence, with programs spanning fields such as engineering, computer science, business, and social sciences. The university’s numerous research institutes, including the Cockrell School of Engineering and the LBJ School of Public Affairs, support groundbreaking work that contributes to the advancement of knowledge and the solution of global challenges.
The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is a public research university located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering a diverse range of programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. UTD is known for its strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, as well as its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
UTD’s research programs are highly regarded, particularly in fields such as robotics, data science, cybersecurity, and engineering. With cutting-edge facilities and strong industry partnerships, the university empowers researchers to develop solutions that drive technological advancements and address real-world challenges.
How to Apply

Current Academic Position
- Applicants should be active university professors, lecturers, or researchers.

Doctoral Degree
- A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree is required.

English Proficiency
- Applicants must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English.

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 with a non-refundable application fee
- Be prepared to submit official documentation that 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 the host university 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 from the host university
- 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 busy school 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.

Current Academic Position
- Applicants should be active university professors, lecturers, or researchers.

Doctoral Degree
- A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree is required.

English Proficiency
- Applicants must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English.

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 with a non-refundable application fee
- Be prepared to submit official documentation that 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 the host university 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 from the host university
- 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 busy school 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 and insurance fees are mandatory for all programs.
Program Fee | $4,900 |
What is included: | • Guaranteed placement • Host organization matching • Online interviews • Proofreading of resume and cover letter • Site checks |
What’s NOT included: | • Transportation to and from program location • Housing & Meals • Personal allowance |
Participants are required to have insurance through Stanley Prep. 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 an F-2 may select either Standard Lite for $60/month or Family Lite for $120/month.
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).
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need To Know

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