45 C.F.R. § 2556.305 – What is the duration and scope of service for a VISTA?

(a) To serve as a VISTA, an individual makes a full-time commitment for a minimum of one year, without regard to regular working hours.
(b) A VISTA carries out activities in accordance with the purpose of the VISTA program, as described in § 2556.1.
(c) To the maximum extent practicable, the VISTA must live among and at the economic level of the low-income community served by the project.
(d) A VISTA carries out service activities in conformance with the sponsor's approved project application, including any description of a VISTA assignment as contained in the project application; and in conformance with the purpose of title I of the DVSA. In any case where there is a conflict between the project application and the DVSA, the DVSA takes precedence.
(e) Under no circumstances may an individual be enrolled to serve as a VISTA beyond five years.