J-1 SCHOLARS
A J-1 scholar enters the United States with the purpose of research and/or teaching as part of the United States Department of State’s Exchange Visitor (EV) Program at Georgia State.
General Eligibility Requirements
A prospective J-1 visiting scholar must meet the following criteria before ISSS will issue visa eligibility documents.
Funding Requirements
- $1,700 per month for the scholar (must either be funds from the Georgia State, an external sponsor or scholar’s funds)
- $500 per month for a spouse on a J-2 dependent visa (in addition to the above)
- $300 per month for each J-2 dependent child under age 21 (in addition to the above)
Self-funding must be shown on a bank statement specifying the amount of liquid funds available in U.S. dollars. If funding is from Georgia State or another organization, specify how much is being paid and for what dates. The scholar pays the visa processing fees.
English Proficiency
The methods established by the DOS for determining English language proficiency are as follows:
- Through a recognized English language test:
- IELTS overall score of 5.5 or higher
- TOEFL (internet-based) overall score of 65 or higher or
- A computer-based score of 183 or higher, or paper-based score of 513 or higher.
- Through signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school; or
- Through an interview conducted by English3, this will send their score directly to the ISSS within 2-3 business days from the interview submission.
Repeat Participation Bars
A J-1 scholar seeking a program in the Research Scholar or Professor categories cannot have been in any J-1 program that lasted for longer than 6 months that ended less than 12 months prior to the proposed start date of the new program.
24 Month Participation Bar
A J-1 scholar seeking a program in the Research Scholar or Professor categories cannot have been in another J-1 program as a Research Scholar or Professor any amount of time for up to 24 months prior to the proposed start date of the new program.
Other Requirements
- Will hold a non-tenure track position at Georgia State
- Does not seek admission to Georgia State as a full-time student.
J-1 Scholar Categories
J-1 Scholars can be broken down into the categories below:
Research Scholar/Professor
Short Term Scholar
Student Intern
Departments who wish to host a J-1 visiting scholar or student intern must fully complete and submit the appropriate request forms AND all required supporting documents through iStart at least 2-3 months before the visitor’s proposed start date at Georgia State. In addition, please note that our expected processing time for new scholar requests is 3-5 business days.
Faculty Mentoring Program
The Office of International Initiatives (OII) offers optional faculty programs to host visiting scholars ranging from a month long to a year-round duration. OII also offers international faculty programs during the summer that include housing. These professional development programs are designed to engage scholars in customized, field-specific and cross-cultural activities. Visiting scholars are paired with Georgia State faculty (Mentors) to engage in academic activities, including: research, teaching in a U.S. classroom, class observations, syllabi development and enhancement, course evaluation and language training. Unlike the regular scholar exchange, these programs compensate Georgia State host faculty for serving as a mentor.
All administrative aspects of the program – including invitation letters, English proficiency interviews, orientations, visa paperwork processing and airport pickup – language enhancement and cultural programming are handled by Georgia State’s Office of International Initiatives in coordination with International Student and Scholar Services and Host Department. For more information, please visit OII Faculty Programs or contact OII at [email protected].
Contact Us
General Questions
Atlanta Email: [email protected]
Atlanta Phone: 404-413-2070
Perimeter Email: [email protected]
Perimeter Phone: 678-891-3235
Office Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., EST
Monday through Friday
Locations
Atlanta Campus Location:
Sparks Hall - Room 252
ISSS, Georgia State University
33 Gilmer St. SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Atlanta Mailing Address (please use our
physical address above for express mail):
International Student and Scholar Services
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3987
Atlanta, GA 30302-3987
USA
Perimeter College Location
and Mailing Address:
Building CN 2230 (Student Center)
ISSS, Perimeter College, Clarkston Campus
555 N. Indian Creek Dr.
Clarkson, GA 30021