RPI hosts a range of international visitors who come for academic, research, or exchange purposes. Most hold a J-1 visa, though some visit under short-term visas such as B-1, B-2, or the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). While the term “scholars” is often used broadly on campus, these visitors fall into distinct categories:
- J-1 Scholars: Visiting researchers, professors, or short-term academic staff who come to RPI to teach, conduct research, or collaborate on academic projects. They are not enrolled in coursework or pursuing a degree.
- J-1 Degree-Seeking Students: Visiting students who enroll full-time in an RPI degree program (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) with the intent to earn a U.S. academic degree.
- J-1 Exchange Students: Visiting students who study at RPI temporarily—usually for one or two semesters—through an exchange agreement between their home institution and RPI. Exchange students take courses for credit to be applied to their degree program at their home institution. They are not matriculated at RPI and are not working towards an RPI degree.
- B-1, B-2 or VWP Scholars: Visiting scholars who come to the U.S. for short-term academic activities under a B-1/B-2 visa or the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). They may give lectures, attend meetings/conferences and conduct independent research. They may not actively collaborate or contribute to RPI research projects but they may perform purely observational or consultative roles.
