J-1 SCHOLAR REQUESTS
Processing Timelines
A department wishing to host an Exchange Visitor should complete the J-1 request process at least three months prior to the intended start date, in order to allow time for unanticipated delays in government processing, security checks and visa issuance. Our normal processing time for new scholar requests is 3-5 business days. Upon receipt of a complete request, ISSS will issue and email a Form DS-2019 and our virtual Homebase orientation no later than 10 business days after. Failure to accurately complete all items on the J-1 Exchange Visitor e-Form Request and to submit required supporting documentation will delay DS-2019 issuance.
A one-time fee of $150 is paid by the host department to ISSS via Spectrum.
iStart Request
The Georgia State host department should complete and submit the electronic forms at least 3 months in advance of the scholar's proposed stay.
In order to access the e-forms, you must first request departmental access. We have created a step-by-step instructional guide on how to access the e-forms here.
All supplemental documentation will be available in links within the e-forms. For your convenience, please see the following list of supplemental documents that will need to be submitted as part of the J-1 request process. The first e-form will require the invitation letter from the department to the scholar. Please see below for a sample and list of required information.
J-1 Scholar Invitation Letter from Department
- Example: Sample Invitation Letter must include:
- OneUSG Appointment Title
- Field of Work
- Department
- Program Dates
- Source of Funding
- Verify English Proficiency
- Provision of Work Space
The scholar should be prepared to upload:
- Current curriculum vitae
- Proof of funding
- Georgia State invitation letter
- Passport biographical pages (of exchange visitor and any dependents)
English Proficiency
- Provide us with a TOEFL score showing adequate English
- Documentation showing the scholar's attendance at a post-secondary school where English is the language of instruction.
- Use an external English language interview assessment via the company English3 (or E3). This will be done in the DS-2019 request process. The cost is $99 and can be paid for the scholar or the department. The full policy can be found here.
Transfer-In
- The transfer is consistent with the goals of the original program objective
- The J-1 scholar is currently in valid program status
- The transfer occurs before the expiration date on the J-1 scholar’s current DS-2019 form.
- The transfer will not extend the scholar’s stay beyond the permissible duration for his/her category
The department will initiate the transfer-in process via the iStart.
Online Module
Throughout the process, both before and after entry, J-1 scholars will be guided by our Homebase virtual orientation. There they will find all they need to know about getting a visa, as well as what to do once you arrive. All J-1 scholars are required to go through this module in order to be validated in the SEVIS system. A link to the online module will be sent to the scholar upon the issuance of their DS-2019.
J-1 Visa Appointment
When the exchange visitor receives the Form DS-2019, s/he should apply for the J-1 visa at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If approved, the visa will be granted and the person may come to the United States on the J-1 visa.
It should be noted that the Consular Officer is required to determine the intent of the applicant, and the Consular Officer’s determination and decision regarding the issuance of a visa are not subject to appeal of any kind.
J-1 Student Intern
Before proceeding with a request to invite a J‐1 Exchange Visitor in the Student Intern subcategory, departments should contact the J‐1 Scholar Advisor in International Student & Scholar Services to verify eligibility.
The purpose of the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Exchange Visitor program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. For additional information, visit the J-1 Intern page on the Department of State website.
The Student Intern program is a structured work‐based learning program defined by an individualized Training/Internship Placement Plan – TIPP (Form DS‐7002) which:
- Reinforces and meets objectives and requirements of student’s academic study in his or her home country.
- Recognizes the need for work‐based experience.
- Provides on‐the‐job exposure to U.S. techniques, methodologies and expertise.
- Enhances the student’s knowledge of U.S. culture and society.
- Permits an internship program between 3 weeks to 12 months. No extensions beyond 12 months are permitted.
Eligibility Requirements
For the Prospective J-1 Student Intern
- Be currently enrolled in and pursuing a degree at an accredited post-secondary academic institution outside the United States.
- Be in good academic standing at his or her home institution outside the United States.
- The U.S. internship must “fulfill the educational objectives for his or her current degree program at his or her home institution."
- The participant must "return to his or her academic program outside the U.S. to fulfill and obtain a degree from such academic institution after completion of the student internship program."
- Have sufficient finances to support himself or herself, and any dependents for the entire stay in the United States, including housing, health insurance and living expenses.
- Have sufficient English language skills to function on a day‐to‐day basis in the internship and cultural environment.
- Be primarily in the United States for the student internship program rather than employment.
- Not have participated in a student internship program for more than 12 months for each degree/major.
For the Georgia State Host Department
The GSU host department should complete and submit the electronic forms at least 4-6 weeks in advance of the scholar's proposed stay.
In addition to the e-forms in iStart, the department will also need to prepare the Training/Internship Placement Plan – TIPP (Form DS‐7002). The completed form can be submitted to the J-1 Scholar Advisor by e-mail, as it is not currently part of the iStart process.
Hosting departments must also provide a concluding evaluation of all student interns prior to the end of the program. For internships of six months or longer, a midpoint evaluation must also be provided.
For the Internship
- Be full‐time; i.e., consist of a minimum of 32 hours per week. Wages or other compensation is optional.
- Consist of no more than 20 percent clerical work.
- Exist solely to assist the student intern in achieving the objectives of his or her participation in a student internship program.
- Consist of work‐based learning, rather than ordinary employment or unskilled labor.
- Expose the participant to American techniques, methodologies and technology, expand upon the participant's existing knowledge and skills and not duplicate the student intern's prior experience.
- Not involve in any way a staffing or employment agency.
- Not be a position that involves unskilled or casual labor, child care or elder care, aviation, clinical work or work that provides patient care such as therapy, medicine, psychological counseling, nursing, dentistry or social work. The internship must also not be in any position that could bring notoriety or disrepute to the program.
- Not displace American workers (including full or part‐time, temporary or permanent).
Before proceeding with a request to invite a J‐1 Exchange Visitor in the Student Intern subcategory, please contact the J‐1 Scholar Advisor in International Student & Scholar Services to verify eligibility.