IPSO is dedicated to supporting the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion by helping our colleges and departments bring new international visitors and employees to campus.

The J-1 exchange visitor (EV) visa classification is for people who are coming to the U.S. for a temporary program in a variety of different areas: study, research, teaching and training. Augusta University authorizes documents in the categories described in the "Authorized Categories of Sponsorship at AU" section of this page.

 

Hosting a J-1 Exchange Visitor

Sponsorship Process

Department managers considering bringing an international visitor to campus should begin by filling out the Immigration Consultation Request Form. If our office decides that J-1 is the appropriate immigration status for the visitor, you will continue by following the steps for requesting J-1 processing. Once the processing is complete, our office will issue a Form DS-2019, which authorizes the scholar to apply for the J-1 exchange visitor visa at a U.S. embassy. While at Augusta University, a scholar may need to request a revised or updated DS-2019 form, or a new form for accompanying dependents.  

Note: If the scholar is new to Augusta University, the inviting department must initiate the sponsorship process BEFORE the scholar submits his or her request for a Form DS-2019. (Prospective scholars: Contact your sponsoring department to see if they have begun the initial sponsorship process with IPSO.)

Required Mandatory Immigration Check-In: Note that following the scholar's arrival in the U.S., a mandatory immigration check-in with IPSO is required. (This is called a validation appointment.) A J-1 orientation session is also required. The orientation appointment will be scheduled at the validation appointment.

Eligibility Requirements

Exchange visitors must have the education, experience and English language proficiency needed to participate in the academic activities in which they intend to engage. Augusta University host departments must evaluate the individual's academic and professional credentials to determine whether the individual has the credentials needed to participate successfully in the program.

IPSO requires departments/colleges to complete the Certificate of English Language Proficiency which is part of the DS-2019 Department Request for Initial J-1 Visa Status.

Financial Resources to Participate in the Augusta University J-1 Program

It is important that any international scholar coming to the U.S. have the financial resources to support themselves and any accompanying dependents during their stay in the U.S. 

Effective July 1, 2024, the AU J program minimum funding amount will increase to $31,000 per year to match the Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) stipend amount.  

  J Program Minimum Funding Amounts  
  Per Year Per month
J-1 Exchange Visitor $31,000 $2,584
J-2 Spouse $6,000 $500
Each J-2 Child (under 21 years old) $2,400 $200

 

Authorized Categories of Sponsorship at Augusta University

J-1 Category Purpose Time Limits

Professor

An individual concerned primarily with teaching, lecturing, observing or consulting. J-1 Professors may also participate in departmental research. If the EV will be here primarily to conduct research the Research Scholar category above is more appropriate, even if the individual is a professor in his or her home country. 5 years
Research Scholar

An individual concerned primarily with conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project and is also allowed to teach or give lectures. Each prospective Research Scholar must have appropriate academic credentials (bachelor’s degree or the equivalent) and experience appropriate to the field of endeavor. 

5 years
Short-Term Scholar A professor, researcher, specialist, or a person with similar education or accomplishments coming to the U.S. on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills.  6 months
Specialist An individual who is an expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skill coming to the U.S. for observing, consulting, or demonstrating special skills and increase the exchange of ideas with American counterparts.  1 year
Student Intern A foreign student currently enrolled and pursuing a degree at a post secondary academic institution outside the U.S. whose U.S. internship will "fulfill the educational objectives for his or her current degree program at his or her home institution."  Up to 12 months per foreign degree or major

 

The J-1 Exchange Visitor category may not be used for the following:

  • The employment of persons in nonacademic staff positions
  • Tenure-track or tenured faculty appointments
  • Foreign medical graduates who will be engaged in clinical activities, including training. The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) issues J-1 visas for the purpose of graduate medical training.
  • Appointments⁠—employment or affiliate⁠—to any Augusta University college, internship, research position, or program of study that include clinical responsibilities, patient contact, or patient care.  

 

Restrictions on Repeat Participation for Professionals and Research Scholars

Since this is an immigration classification intended to promote educational and cultural exchange, there is an expectation that J-1 status holders will return home to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the U.S. As a result there are certain restrictions placed upon individuals who have previously been in the U.S. in J-1 status. These restrictions apply to individuals who have completed their previous J program and seek to return to begin a new program as either a J Research Scholar or as a Professor.

12-month bar: A person who previously held J status in any category other than Short-term Scholar for more than six months cannot begin a new J-1 program in either the Research Scholar or Professor classification until the individual has been out of J status for 12 months or more. (Please note that this bar does not prevent someone who is actively engaged in a J program from transferring his/her J-1 sponsorship to Augusta University.)

24-month bar: A person who previously held J-1 status (regardless of how long he/she was actually present in the U.S.) in either a Professor or Research Scholar category cannot return to the U.S. to begin a new J-1 program as a Research Scholar or as a Professor until he/she has been out of J status as a Research Scholar or Professor for two years. This is a different requirement from the two-year home residency requirement that is attached to some J status holders. 

Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement (Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and PL-94-184 as amended)  

Exchange visitors whose programs are financed in whole or in part  directly or indirectly  by either their government or by the U.S. government are required to reside in their home country for two years following completion of their program before they are eligible for immigrant status, temporary worker (H) status or intra-company transferee (L) status. Likewise exchange visitors who are acquiring a skill which is in short supply in their home country will be subject to the same two-year home-country residence requirement. These skills appear on the Exchange Visitor Skills List. The U.S. Department of State reserves the right to make the final determination regarding 212(e).

Note that marriage to a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident or birth of a child in the United States does not remove this requirement. The requirement also applies to the J-2 dependent(s) of exchange visitors who are subject to the requirement. Some but not all exchange visitors are subject. The purpose of this requirement is to have the home country benefit from the exchange visitor's experience in the U.S. Exchange visitors come to the U.S. for a specific objective such as program of study or a research project. The requirement is intended to prevent a participant from staying longer than necessary for the objective and to ensure that he or she will spend at least two years in the home country before coming back to the U.S. for a long-term stay. 

Frequently Asked Questions

As a department manager or faculty host, you will be responsible for many steps in the process of hosting a J-1 exchange visitor.

Here are some frequently asked questions that will help guide you through the process. We've broken this page into four sections to make it easier for you to find what you need. Click the links below to jump to a section or scroll through all the questions.

PRE-ARRIVALArrivalPOST-ArrivalJ-2 DEPENDENTS


Pre-arrival

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the U.S. to participate in an exchange visitor program to promote the sharing of knowledge and skills in education, arts and science.

There are several categories for a J-1 visa holder. The categories and descriptions are listed on the IPSO website under Authorized Categories of Sponsorship.

Visits range anywhere from 1 day to 5 years depending on the J-1 category. For more information about time limits of a J-1 program see Authorized Categories of Sponsorship.

  1. What is the reason the candidate wants to come to Augusta University? Is a J-1 visa appropriate?
  2. How much time will be needed to complete the J program activities?
  3. Are the credentials, publications and other information listed on the CV sufficient and credible for a J-1 visa? Are they verifiable?
  4. If you are not offering the candidate employment, are his or her financial resources sufficient to meet the requirements of a J-1 program at Augusta University? Visit the IPSO webpage under Financial Resources to view the required funding.
  5. Is the candidate's English proficient? The English language must be proficient and confirmed in order to be considered for a J-1 program.
  6. If a J-1 is bringing a spouse who also wants to be considered for a J-1 visa, consider if J-2 dependent status or another status is more appropriate for the potential candidate.

The Department of State requires all J-1 Scholars have academic credentials and experience appropriate to the field of endeavor. To participate in a J-1 program at Augusta University, the individual must have earned the equivalent of at least a bachelor’s degree, except for those in the Student or Student Intern categories. J-1s who are offered employment must meet the qualifications of the Augusta University appointment title offered to them.

  1. Submitting all required documentation to IPSO for all non-U.S. citizens who will be issued a Form DS-2019 at Augusta University.
  2. Verifying the validity of funding for incoming J-1s. Original funding documents are required before we may release the Form DS-2019.
  3. Monitoring the J-1's arrival dates and informing IPSO of possible delays.
  4. Notifying IPSO if the J-1 decides not to come at all.
  5. Scheduling an appointment with IPSO as soon as the J-1 arrives in the U.S.
  6. Providing a workspace and computer (if available).
  7. Introducing the J-1 to department staff and students.
  8. Orienting the J-1 to the campus including on-campus libraries, classrooms and labs, etc.
  9. Ensuring the J-1 is fully engaged in the J program activities. This means the J-1 must spend a minimum of 30 hours per week conducting research, observing, teaching or consulting in the subject field described on the Form DS 2019.
  10. Meeting with the J-1 on a regular basis to observe, collaborate and oversee the research efforts.
  11. Engaging the J-1 in campus-wide or community, cross-cultural activities, such as sporting events, theatrical plays and concerts, etc.
  12. Ensuring mandatory compliance with all provisions of Augusta University’s policies and the Exchange Visitor Program.
  13. Notifying IPSO if you intend to extend or end the program activities for a J-1.
  1. Deliver at least one public presentation at a departmental and/or college level.
  2. Participate as a guest speaker or lecturer at a department or campus seminar.
  3. Submit a report of achievements, presentations and research efforts.
  4. Enroll in or audit classes (Augusta University student tuition and fees may apply) for research development.

Communicate both verbally and via email your requirements and expectations before sending the invitation letter. An open communication between you and the J-1 should alleviate any misunderstanding that may arise once the J-1 arrives in the U.S. to begin the J program. In your communication discuss:

  1. Your performance expectations, activity schedule and number of hours per week you would like the J-1 to spend on J program activities.
  2. Any required activities that will require extra funding such as auditing or enrolling in classes.
  3. Any other details of the program that you feel will enhance the experience of the J-1 visitor.

IPSO has created an invitation template for your convenience. Once you submit an Immigration Consultation Request Form and it’s approved, our office will email instructions to complete the request for J-1 Processing. The invitation template letter is included in the instructions. All requirements, expectations and estimated costs such as tuition and fees should be clearly outlined in the invitation letter.

Documented failure or refusal to comply with J program requirements is justification to terminate the J-1’s program.  J program termination requires the J-1 to exit the U.S. immediately. A termination is a negative action and must be reported to the U. S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

The Form DS-2019 or "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" is the basic document used in the administration of the exchange visitor program.

This form permits a prospective exchange visitor to seek an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in order to obtain a J visa to enter the United States. The Form DS-2019 identifies the exchange visitor and the designated sponsor and provides a brief description of the exchange visitor’s program, including the start and end date, category of exchange, and an estimate of the cost of the exchange program.

Department managers and faculty hosts who are interested in inviting or employing visitors will need to complete an Immigration Consultation Request Form. The information provided will help to determine if the individual is eligible for a J-1 visa.  If the individual is eligible for a J-1 visa, the director of International and Postdoctoral Services Office will decide which category is appropriate. An email will be sent to the department manager or faculty host with complete instructions on what to submit for J-1 Processing.

The Form DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for the J-1 will be ready within 30 days (45 days for a J Student Intern request), pending a complete and correct "J-1 Application for a New Exchange Visitor" in AU International. (This includes both the department e-forms and the prospective exchange visitor's e-forms.) Once the DS-2019 is ready, you and the prospective exchange visitor will receive an email notifying you. The prospective exchange visitor will be prompted to log back in to AU International and pay for the shipment of the original DS-2019.

The J-1 may schedule the visa interview once the Form DS-2019 has been received and the SEVIS FMJ Form I-901 fee has been paid.

SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. SEVIS is a nationwide, internet-based system that the U.S. government uses to maintain accurate and current information on non-immigrant students and visitors and their dependents. 

The J-1 is responsible for paying the SEVIS FMJ Form I-901 fee and all visa processing fees.

The J-1 may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the most recent program begin date in SEVIS. This may or may not be the date on the most recent Form DS-2019. 

If the J-1 is unable to arrive in the U.S. by the program begin date, the department manager or faculty host must notify IPSO as soon as possible to request an amended Form DS-2019. A new Form DS-2019 is not necessarily required. The information in the SEVIS electronic database is available to the U.S. embassy personnel where the J-1 applied for the J-1 visa, at the port-of-entry (airport, land or seaport), and to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Failure to notify IPSO immediately if the J-1 will not arrive at Augusta University on or before the program begin date listed on the Form DS-2019 may result in the invalidation of the SEVIS record and the Form DS-2019. An invalid record may result in denial of the visa application and/or refusal of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers to allow entry into the U.S. 

Yes. To correct an invalid record the J-1 must submit an application for reinstatement and pay an application fee. The current application fee is ($367 as of December 2016, subject to change) and may not be paid by Augusta University. The reinstatement application must be submitted to and adjudicated favorably by the U.S. Department of State prior to the J-1 beginning the J program activities at Augusta University.

Information for J-1 Exchange Visitors can be found on the IPSO website. The information on that webpage should answer most questions a J-1 may have before arriving in the U.S.

Once the visa is obtained, the J-1 may schedule the flight and make travel arrangements. The cost of travel is the responsibility of the J-1. If, for any reason, the visa application process is delayed or denied, the costs spent on travel arrangements may not be recoverable.

No. Augusta University has designated insurance plans that meet the requirements per regulation 22 CFR, Section 62.14. The J-1 will be required to purchase insurance within 24 hours of the program validation in SEVIS. More information about J-1 program insurance requirements is shared on the IPSO website.

The J-1 should bring $6,000 to $7,500 to cover expenses for him/herself. Additional funds may be required if the J-1 is accompanied by J-2 dependents. It is advisable that the visitor obtain a credit card to cover immediate expenses such as insurance premiums that are due 24 hours after validating the program.

Yes. Before the J-1 can be placed on the Augusta University payroll and begin J program employment a Social Security number and card with an assigned number is needed to complete the Human Resources on-boarding process. If there is a delay in acquiring a Social Security card, the J-1 will be required to address all expenses while the application is pending. These costs are not recoverable and may not be reimbursed to the J-1.


Arrival

To ensure the visitor is welcomed into a professional but warm environment, IPSO recommends the following:

  1. Make arrangements for the J-1 to be transported from the airport to Augusta University or the hotel accommodations.
  2. Assist the J-1 in locating housing.
  3. Easing the arrival, offer to take the J-1 to a nice restaurant or food store.
  4. Assign a staff member or another J-1 in your department (preferably someone who speaks the same language) to shadow the visitor until he/she has adjusted to life in the U.S.
  5. Lastly, schedule an appointment with IPSO to complete the IPSO J program requirements.

The faculty host or department manager must notify IPSO immediately by completing the J-1 Arrival & Validation e-form in AU International to request a validation appointment. The J-1 will either come to our office or meet with us on Teams to complete an immigration check-in and SEVIS program validation. Validating the program reports the presence of the J-1 and any accompanying J-2 dependents to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State. The department manager or faculty host is required to attend at least one validation appointment per year. 

The J-1 is expected to be proficient in English, however, if you feel the J-1 appears to be uncomfortable communicating in English as a newly-arrived visitor to the U.S., we advise that you send a translator who is fluent in English and the J-1’s first language to avoid any miscommunications. IPSO does not have in-house translators.

The J-1 Arrival & Validation consists of two e-forms:

  1. Validation Appointment Request (completed by the department manager)
  2. Initial Proof of Insurance (completed by the J-1 Exchange Visitor)

 

On the Validation Appointment Request e-form, the department manager is responsible for collecting and uploading the J-1's:

  1. Valid Passport
  2. Visa
  3. Valid Form DS-2019
  4. Valid Form I-94 (most recent)
  5. Current local address and phone number where the J-1 resides at the time of the appointment. (A local residential address is required for J program validation.)

 

Once the department submits the Validation Appointment Request e-form, the J-1 Exchange Visitor will receive an email requesting that he/she log into AU International and follow the steps to purchase the required insurance and upload proof of that insurance. 

  1. The J-1’s presence is reported to U.S. Immigrations & Customs Enforcement and U.S. Department of State by entering the current local residential address of the J-1 visitor in SEVIS. Therefore the visitor must have a current local address before the validation can occur. (This can be a temporary address.)
  2. The J-1 program begin date is amended, if necessary.
  3. The J-1 is informed of when to go to the Social Security Office. (Must be at least 10 days after entry into the U.S. and 3 days after the J program validation.)
  4. The J program orientation appointment is scheduled and the J-1 is asked to review the information for J-1 Exchange Visitors on the IPSO website.

The U.S. Department of State requirements for health insurance may be found on the IPSO website under Health Insurance. J-1s and accompanying J-2s are required to enroll in an insurance plan that meets the health insurance requirements for the duration of the J-1 program.

  1. Augusta University has mandatory designated insurance plans that meet the health insurance requirements. The J-1 and accompanying J-2(s) must enroll in one of these plans.
  2. The J-1 must purchase insurance coverage within 24 hours of entering the U.S. as a J-1 Exchange Visitor.
  3. All J-1 Exchange Visitors will be required to purchase and show proof of 45 days of PGH insurance initially. Employed J-1 EVs can then choose to enroll in AU employee health insurance (NOT the high-deductible plan) or continue with the PGH insurance coverage. J-1 Exchange Visitor Affiliates (non-paid) will be required to purchase additional PGH coverage.
  4. After the initial 45 days of PGH insurance coverage, J-1 EVs will be required to purchase insurance through the end date on their DS-2019 or the latest date available on the policy, whichever date is earlier.

Federal Regulation 22 CFR 62.10 (c) states the J program sponsor, Augusta University, must offer and record participation in an appropriate orientation for all J-1s. The J-1 is responsible for the information provided in the orientation.

During the appointment there will be a review of the information provided on the J-1 Exchange Visitors webpage.

At least 10 calendar days after entry to the U.S. and at least 3 working days after J program validation.

Applying for the Social Security number before the dates listed above may delay the process of receiving the SSN and card for weeks or months.

  1. Valid Passport
  2. Visa (If they have one for the current visa type, may be expired.)
  3. Valid Form DS-2019
  4. Valid Form I-94
  5. Employment offer letter or abbreviated invitation letter.

The newly-hired J-1 at Augusta University may not begin work or any work-related activities until the IPSO J program requirements are met and the Human Resources on-boarding is completed.

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Affiliate (non-paid visitor) at Augusta University may not begin the J program activities until the IPSO J program requirements are met and the Augusta University badging process is completed.

The department manager or faculty host is responsible for coordinating all HR on-boarding processing.


Post-arrival

Yes. The host must ensure that the activities in which the J-1 is engaged are consistent with the category and activity listed on the Form DS-2019. The J-1 is allowed to engage ONLY in the activities described on the Form DS-2019 and for the length of time indicated.

In addition, the host department must ensure that the J-1 is fully engaged in the J program activities. This means the J-1 must spend a minimum of 30 hours per week conducting research, observing, teaching or consulting in the subject field described on the Form DS-2019.

The host should also monitor the physical location (site of activity) and the progress and welfare of the J-1 to the extent appropriate for the category.

Yes, the J-1 must conduct the program activities at the primary site identified on the Form DS-2019. However, more than one site may be added to the SEVIS record if activities are occasionally conducted at other sites.

We will process a J program extension up to 6 months in advance of the current J program end date. The extension must be initiated by the department. Department managers can log into AU International and complete the J-1 Extension for an Exchange Visitor e-forms. The visitor will then be prompted to complete his or her e-forms.

The department manager or faculty host should log into AU International to complete and submit the J-1 Program End or Change of Activities e-form. 

The host should collect documented details of the reasons for failure or refusal to comply with J program requirements. If the J-1 refuses to comply with your expectations of the J program, you are justified in terminating the J-1 program. J program termination requires the J-1 to exit the U.S. immediately. Termination of a J program is a negative action and must be reported to the U. S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

The department manager or faculty host should complete and submit the J-1 Program End or Change of Activities e-form in AU International

The J-1 must log into AU International and complete the Travel Endorsement Request e-form. The J-1 should not travel outside the U.S. without first completing the travel endorsement process. The J-1 must upload the following documents to the Travel Endorsement Request e-form:

  1. Valid Passport
  2. Visa (if expired, must renew before reentering the U.S. unless
  3. Most current Form DS-2019
  4. Most current I-94
  5. Letter from department stating the dates of travel and that the J-1 is in good standing.
  6. Upon return, complete the Travel Return e-form in AU International.

For detailed information about traveling outside the U.S. visit the Travel section on the IPSO website.


J-2 Dependents

Yes, J-2 dependents may enter separately from the J-1. In fact, IPSO recommends that the J-1 arrive in the U.S. prior to bringing the J-2 dependents. The J-1 will be able to navigate the new city, find housing, and establish the needs for living in a new country without the added worry of the dependents.

Yes. The J-1 can complete the Add a New J-2 Dependent e-form in AU International.

Yes. A J-2 spouse may attend classes at any level of study. J-2 children may attend public/private, primary and secondary schools, and may also study at a college or university.

J-2 children who are approaching the age of 21 must either change their visa status or depart the U.S. prior to their 21st birthday. Augusta University does not support in-country change-of-status applications.

Yes, with a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD). There is a separate application and fee for the EAD. Upon request, IPSO will assist the J-2 dependent with the application to apply for the EAD. Employment for a J-2 dependent is a choice. Unlike the J-1, the primary function of the J-2 dependent is to accompany the J-1 Scholar.

If a J-2 dependent engages in an activity that benefits Augusta University and for which someone else receives compensation, this may be considered employment without any express or implied compensation agreement under the Fair Labor & Standards Act (FLSA). 

A J-2 may volunteer, but they may not perform the same or similar activities as someone who is compensated.

IPSO advises J-2 dependents to apply for and receive the Employment Authorization Document to engage in activities (volunteer or otherwise) on any Augusta University campus that requires background checks and Augusta University badging. 

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Immigration Consultation