J-1 Visa Professor Jobs
Professor positions in the United States are available to international academics through the J-1 visa's Research Scholar and Professor program categories, both requiring sponsorship from a U.S. Department of State-designated organization. Your host institution coordinates with that sponsor to issue your DS-2019 and manage compliance throughout your exchange.
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Governors State University (University Park IL) is a minority-serving institution inviting applicants to a fulltime Visiting faculty position in the Interdisciplinary Studies and Anthropology & Sociology programs to begin in the Fall 2026 term. This position is a 12-month contract with a teaching load of 27 credit hours (9 courses) across fall, spring, and summer terms, renewable for a second year. A PhD in Anthropology, Sociology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Writing, or a closely related interdisciplinary social science field is required by August 2026; candidates who are ABD in the final stages of completion will also be considered.
We seek a candidate with a strong commitment to teaching and demonstrated experience working with diverse, first generation, returning adult, and other non-traditional student populations, who will complement existing faculty strengths across Interdisciplinary Studies and Anthropology & Sociology. The successful candidate will contribute to both programs through disciplinary and interdisciplinary teaching and the integration of applied and spatial methods, including the ability to teach Global Information Systems (GIS).
Teaching responsibilities will include IDSS 3099 Academic Writing Strategies, GIS, and additional courses in Interdisciplinary Studies (such as Interdisciplinary Theory, Career Planning, or the Capstone Seminar), as well as Anthropology and/or Sociology offerings (such as Gender & Sexuality, Race and Ethnicity, Social Issues, Social Theory, or cross-cultural analysis). The specific course mix will be determined in alignment with departmental needs and faculty expertise.
An interest and ability to contribute to related interdisciplinary programs—such as Gender & Sexuality Studies, Geography, Global Studies, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, or other areas within the Division of Arts & Letters—is valued. Experience teaching online or hybrid courses is also desirable. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and first generation college graduates are especially encouraged to apply.
Governors State University is the only regional public comprehensive university in Chicago’s south suburban area, serving approximately 5000 students annually. Since its founding in 1969, GovState has offered accessible, high-value educational opportunities to a culturally diverse student body of first-generation students, returning adults, and veterans. With the lowest undergraduate tuition in Illinois, GovState offers accredited programs that have earned high praise from national accrediting agencies. GovState accepted its inaugural class of first-year students in 2014, transitioning from an upper-division and graduate institution into a regional comprehensive university with a state-of-the-art general education program. New faculty at GovState must demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to work with students at all levels, from first-year to graduate.
Through its strategic planning, GovState emphasizes excellence, access, and innovation. Students benefit from the university’s academic quality, range of convenient class times, increasingly numerous hybrid and online offerings, and outstanding educational value. Our innovative lower-division program uses high-impact practices to foster student engagement with ethics, citizenship, and innovative thinking. Every first-year class is taught by a full-time faculty member to ensure that students have a strong foundation for their studies. GovState is a national leader in successful transfer of community college students to universities, and is leading through the Kresge-supported Dual Degree Program, with features such as tuition lock-in at GovState for academically eligible community college students who commit to earn an Associate Degree and attend college full-time. GovState offers a wide variety of master’s programs and several applied doctoral degrees in health, counseling fields, and Interdisciplinary Leadership.
GovState's 750-acre campus encompasses the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park yet is conveniently located within easy reach of Chicago and surrounding communities with a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. The highly diverse region GovState serves has a number of high-performing schools and engaged communities as well as struggling urban, suburban, and rural communities. GovState serves as a public square, working to foster educational opportunities for all populations.
It is the policy of Governors State University, in its role as educator, employer, and purchaser of goods and services, to provide equal opportunity and affirmative action. Discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status is strictly prohibited.
Required Qualifications
-
PhD in Anthropology, Sociology, or a closely related interdisciplinary social science field (e.g., American Studies, Geography, Gender & Sexuality Studies) with disciplinary training relevant to Anthropology/Sociology. ABD in final stages considered.
-
Ability to teach Global Information Systems (GIS) and integrate geospatial or spatial analytic methods into anthropological, sociological, or interdisciplinary inquiry.
-
Demonstrated ability to teach anthropology and/or sociology at the postsecondary level.
-
Ability to teach academic writing or writing intensive interdisciplinary courses.
-
Experience teaching first generation, returning adult, culturally diverse, or non-traditional students.
-
Experience teaching at the postsecondary level and can demonstrate the ability to teach in person, online and hybrid courses.
Preferred Qualifications
-
Evidence of teaching excellence.
-
Ability to complement ANSO and IDSS program strengths.
-
Ability to teach two or more interdisciplinary social science topics—such as gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, social issues, interdisciplinary theory, social science theory, or career focused/applied coursework—in anthropology, sociology, or interdisciplinary studies contexts.
-
Ability to teach Geography, Global Studies, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, or elsewhere in Arts & Letters.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, sample syllabi, unofficial transcripts, statement of teaching philosophy, and list of 3-4 references by May 20, 2026 for full consideration, although applications will be accepted until the position is filled. References will only be contacted prior to interviews.
Description
Governors State University (University Park IL) is a minority-serving institution inviting applicants to a fulltime Visiting faculty position in the Interdisciplinary Studies and Anthropology & Sociology programs to begin in the Fall 2026 term. This position is a 12-month contract with a teaching load of 27 credit hours (9 courses) across fall, spring, and summer terms, renewable for a second year. A PhD in Anthropology, Sociology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Writing, or a closely related interdisciplinary social science field is required by August 2026; candidates who are ABD in the final stages of completion will also be considered.
We seek a candidate with a strong commitment to teaching and demonstrated experience working with diverse, first generation, returning adult, and other non-traditional student populations, who will complement existing faculty strengths across Interdisciplinary Studies and Anthropology & Sociology. The successful candidate will contribute to both programs through disciplinary and interdisciplinary teaching and the integration of applied and spatial methods, including the ability to teach Global Information Systems (GIS).
Teaching responsibilities will include IDSS 3099 Academic Writing Strategies, GIS, and additional courses in Interdisciplinary Studies (such as Interdisciplinary Theory, Career Planning, or the Capstone Seminar), as well as Anthropology and/or Sociology offerings (such as Gender & Sexuality, Race and Ethnicity, Social Issues, Social Theory, or cross-cultural analysis). The specific course mix will be determined in alignment with departmental needs and faculty expertise.
An interest and ability to contribute to related interdisciplinary programs—such as Gender & Sexuality Studies, Geography, Global Studies, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, or other areas within the Division of Arts & Letters—is valued. Experience teaching online or hybrid courses is also desirable. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and first generation college graduates are especially encouraged to apply.
Governors State University is the only regional public comprehensive university in Chicago’s south suburban area, serving approximately 5000 students annually. Since its founding in 1969, GovState has offered accessible, high-value educational opportunities to a culturally diverse student body of first-generation students, returning adults, and veterans. With the lowest undergraduate tuition in Illinois, GovState offers accredited programs that have earned high praise from national accrediting agencies. GovState accepted its inaugural class of first-year students in 2014, transitioning from an upper-division and graduate institution into a regional comprehensive university with a state-of-the-art general education program. New faculty at GovState must demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to work with students at all levels, from first-year to graduate.
Through its strategic planning, GovState emphasizes excellence, access, and innovation. Students benefit from the university’s academic quality, range of convenient class times, increasingly numerous hybrid and online offerings, and outstanding educational value. Our innovative lower-division program uses high-impact practices to foster student engagement with ethics, citizenship, and innovative thinking. Every first-year class is taught by a full-time faculty member to ensure that students have a strong foundation for their studies. GovState is a national leader in successful transfer of community college students to universities, and is leading through the Kresge-supported Dual Degree Program, with features such as tuition lock-in at GovState for academically eligible community college students who commit to earn an Associate Degree and attend college full-time. GovState offers a wide variety of master’s programs and several applied doctoral degrees in health, counseling fields, and Interdisciplinary Leadership.
GovState's 750-acre campus encompasses the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park yet is conveniently located within easy reach of Chicago and surrounding communities with a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. The highly diverse region GovState serves has a number of high-performing schools and engaged communities as well as struggling urban, suburban, and rural communities. GovState serves as a public square, working to foster educational opportunities for all populations.
It is the policy of Governors State University, in its role as educator, employer, and purchaser of goods and services, to provide equal opportunity and affirmative action. Discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status is strictly prohibited.
Required Qualifications
-
PhD in Anthropology, Sociology, or a closely related interdisciplinary social science field (e.g., American Studies, Geography, Gender & Sexuality Studies) with disciplinary training relevant to Anthropology/Sociology. ABD in final stages considered.
-
Ability to teach Global Information Systems (GIS) and integrate geospatial or spatial analytic methods into anthropological, sociological, or interdisciplinary inquiry.
-
Demonstrated ability to teach anthropology and/or sociology at the postsecondary level.
-
Ability to teach academic writing or writing intensive interdisciplinary courses.
-
Experience teaching first generation, returning adult, culturally diverse, or non-traditional students.
-
Experience teaching at the postsecondary level and can demonstrate the ability to teach in person, online and hybrid courses.
Preferred Qualifications
-
Evidence of teaching excellence.
-
Ability to complement ANSO and IDSS program strengths.
-
Ability to teach two or more interdisciplinary social science topics—such as gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, social issues, interdisciplinary theory, social science theory, or career focused/applied coursework—in anthropology, sociology, or interdisciplinary studies contexts.
-
Ability to teach Geography, Global Studies, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, or elsewhere in Arts & Letters.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, sample syllabi, unofficial transcripts, statement of teaching philosophy, and list of 3-4 references by May 20, 2026 for full consideration, although applications will be accepted until the position is filled. References will only be contacted prior to interviews.
See all 222+ Professor jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Professor roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Professor
Verify your DS-2019 category before applying
The Professor category suits faculty teaching at accredited institutions, while Research Scholar fits lab-based or non-teaching appointments. Applying under the wrong category forces your host to restart sponsorship paperwork, delaying your start date by weeks.
Document your home-country ties carefully
The Professor category typically carries the two-year home residency requirement. Consular officers assess ties through employment contracts, property, and family obligations abroad. Prepare a clear personal statement addressing these before your visa interview.
Target host institutions with existing designated sponsors
Universities affiliated with IIE or that self-sponsor J-1 exchanges can issue DS-2019 forms internally. Confirming your prospective host has this infrastructure before negotiating an offer prevents delays when a separate sponsor organization must be onboarded.
Use Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned Professor roles
Search Migrate Mate to identify U.S. universities and research institutions actively hosting J-1 exchange visitors in academic departments. Filtering by role type helps you prioritize employers whose HR teams already understand the Professor category process.
Request the training plan details before signing an offer
Even for Professor appointments, your designated sponsor requires a written program plan outlining your teaching or research objectives. Confirm your host department can produce this document before you accept, since incomplete plans are a common cause of DS-2019 delays.
Check the 12-month bar and repeat-participation rules
J-1 exchange visitors who have participated in a J-1 program within the past 12 months face restrictions on immediate re-entry under the same or a new sponsorship. Review your previous DS-2019 end dates with your designated sponsor to confirm eligibility before your host begins filing.
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Find Professor JobsProfessor J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Professor positions?
Most full-time teaching appointments at U.S. colleges and universities fall under the Professor category. If your role is primarily research with limited or no classroom instruction, your host institution may place you under the Research Scholar category instead. The distinction matters because program objectives, allowable activities, and sometimes the two-year home residency requirement differ between them.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Professor role?
Your employer is the host institution, not the visa sponsor. The sponsor is a separate U.S. Department of State-designated organization, which may be the university itself if it holds designation, or a third-party organization like IIE. That sponsor issues your DS-2019, monitors your program compliance, and serves as your primary point of contact with the State Department throughout your exchange.
Does the two-year home residency requirement apply to J-1 Professors?
It often does, particularly when your exchange is funded by your home government or a U.S. government program, or when your skills are in a field on the Exchange Visitor Skills List for your country. If the requirement applies, you must return home for two years after your exchange before changing to most other U.S. visa categories. A waiver is possible but requires a formal application through USCIS or the State Department.
How can I find U.S. universities actively hosting J-1 Professors?
Migrate Mate lets you search for Professor roles at institutions that have experience hosting J-1 exchange visitors. Targeting employers with established J-1 infrastructure means their international office already understands the DS-2019 process, reducing administrative friction between your offer and your program start date.
Can a J-1 Professor work at more than one U.S. institution?
Yes, but only with prior authorization from your designated sponsor. Secondary employment or teaching at a second institution requires an amendment to your DS-2019 and a separate approval documenting how the additional activity fits within your exchange program objectives. Starting secondary work without that authorization is a status violation, so confirm approval in writing before accepting any additional appointment.
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