The USG Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) administered by the U.S. Department of State will sunset in May 2025. If you are a USG school that wishes to sponsor an Exchange Visitor in a student or scholar category, sponsorship may be available through the University of Georgia. Please contact the International Education Office for assistance.

Information regarding the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is provided by the Department of State.

J-1 STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Students are eligible for the Exchange Visitor Program only if at any time during their college studies in the United States:

1. They or their program are financed directly or indirectly by the United States government, the government of their home country, or an international organization of which the United States is a member by treaty or statute;
2. The programs are carried out pursuant to an agreement between the United States government and a foreign government;
3. The programs are carried out pursuant to a written agreement between U.S. and foreign educational institutions, between a U.S. educational institution and a foreign government, or between a state or local government in the United States and a foreign government; and
4. The exchange visitor is supported substantially by funding from any source other than personal or family funds. [22 CFR 514.23 (c)]

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Any USG institution that does not have its own Exchange Visitor program, should contact the USG International Education office for options and assistance.

Dr. Tammy Rosner
Director of Academic Compliance and International Education
Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
tammy.rosner@usg.edu

IMMEDIATE FAMILY

An exchange visitor is allowed to bring immediate family members to the U.S. provided that the exchange visitor documents support funds available for the dependents. The family may either accompany the visitor or enter the U.S. separately at a later date. Specific information is required for each family member, and the family data section in the request form must be completed. Dependents of exchange visitors will enter in J-2 visa status. J-2 status is limited to the spouse and any dependent, unmarried, minor children of the J-1 Exchange Visitor. A J-2 visa holder may apply for work authorization through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services after arrival.