Scholars
Departments that offer invitations/employment to internationals will need to request that Immigration Services issue any necessary immigration documents the scholar will require for obtaining a visa to enter the U.S., or for obtaining the correct legal status to allow employment at UGA.
In general, the type of activity and purpose of the visit will determine what type of visa will be required. The decision about the type of visa is primarily the responsibility of the department and Immigration Services.
Eligibility
J-1 Exchange Visitor scholar or professor sponsorship is limited to non-tenure track, and non-permanent positions requiring advanced degrees. Exchange Visitor sponsorship requires the person to hold at least one advanced post-Baccalaureate degree, or to be an active candidate for a PhD degree.
Scholars must be able to show funding sufficient to pay all living expenses for the period of stay.
Sponsorship Process
-
The Full Process
Full Process (PDF)Please click the button below for the full process.
-
Not Hired by UGA
The Office of Research and the Office of Global Engagement (OGE) have implemented VRS hosting procedures for Visiting Researchers unpaid by UGA. Complete a VRS questionnaire. Procedures can be found on the Office of Research website and questions about hosting a VRS can be directed to vrs@uga.edu.
-
Hired by UGA
All incoming J-1 Scholars hired by the University of Georgia will be processed through UGA Jobs. After someone’s hiring proposal has been approved, departments will use ID Manager and search by the scholar’s name to get his/her UGA ID number.
-
File an online request for J-1 visa sponsorship
Compass Departmental User GuideFile an online request for J-1 visa sponsorship in the office’s Compass portal
Please see the Compass Departmental User Guide, which explains how to request access and submit visa sponsorship requests.
Visa Sponsorship Time Frame
Processing times for J-1 initial processing with consular visa application: 1 to 3 months.
IS advisors will do their best to expedite as needed. We appreciate your patience with delays beyond our control. Processing timeframes for transfers of J status from another U.S. institution can take 1 to 4 weeks.
English Assessment for Exchange Visitors
To ensure UGA’s compliance with United States Department of State regulations, English language proficiency for scholars seeking J-1 visas and whose applications are received on or after September 15, 2017, must be documented in one of the following three ways.
- Test Score
- Documentation from a Previous Institution
- Interview
Health Insurance Information for Visiting Scholars
Click this link for up-to-date information about the federal requirements regarding health insurance for J-1 visa holders.
Additional Information
Current Students
The U.S. Department of State allows students who are enrolled in degree programs at home universities (in other countries) to be sponsored for an intern position, for up to 12 months duration, in the U.S.
Housing Options
The U.S. Department of State allows students who are enrolled in degree programs at home universities (in other countries) to be sponsored for an intern position, for up to 12 months duration, in the U.S.