An international scholar is an individual not enrolled in a formal degree program who holds a temporary nonimmigrant visa. A scholar engages in activities including teaching, research and/or training at a university, research institute or hospital. At Washington University, international scholars may be faculty members, research associates, postdoctoral research fellows, visiting scholars or physicians.
The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides services and programs for international scholars at WashU and acts as liaison with U.S. government agencies concerning visa, status and immigration matters for all international scholars at WashU. After arrival in the U.S., OISS assists scholars with employment authorization, validating their arrival with government agencies, maintaining their immigration status and many other concerns.
Visa categories
| Visa Type/Non-Immigrant Status | Length of Stay | Purpose of Visit |
| J-1 Research Scholar or Professor | Maximum 5 years | Research, teach, collaborate |
| J-1 Short-Term Scholar | Maximum 6 months | Research, teach, collaborate |
| J-1 Student Intern | Maximum 12 months | Complete a structured internship program; Current student at an institution abroad |
| H-1B H-1B1 (only for Chilean and Singaporean scholars) | Maximum 6 years 3 years at a time | Research, teach, work in specialized occupation |
| O-1 | Initially 3 years Extended in 1-year increments | Work in a specific field in which they have extraordinary ability |
| TN – NAFTA (only Canadian and Mexican scholars) | Initially 3 years Extended in 3-year increments | Professional business activities |
| E-3 (only Australian scholars) | Initially 2 years Extended in 2-year increments | Research, teach, work in specialized occupation |
| B-1/Visa Waiver Program | Maximum 90 days | Attend conference, conduct independent research or one-time lecture |