Incidental Study is study that is secondary to an Exchange Visitor’s (EV’s) primary objective. EV’s in the Research Scholar, Professor, Short-Term Scholar, and Specialist category are here primarily to teach, research, collaborate, and/or observe. Although they are in a status designed for a purpose other than study, they can engage in study that is incidental (secondary) to their program objective. Incidental study must be part-time and non-degree seeking to maintain your visa status.
Scholars are allowed to enroll in courses in the U.S. as long as the following conditions are met:
- Courses are not part of a degree program.
- Enrollment is part-time.
- Enrollment is incidental (secondary) to your primary objective.
- You continue to pursue your program objectives as listed on your DS-2019.
- You are fulfilling all other requirements of your J-1 visa category.
If a program of study becomes your primary objective, your immigration status may be at risk. It is a violation of your immigration status to enroll in a degree-seeking program while in a “non-student” category. If you plan to study full time and pursue a degree, you should either depart the U.S. and apply for a visa that allows full-time study at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your home country, or apply for a change of immigration status through USCIS.