UGA Exchange Visitor Program


The Exchange Visitor Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) is for the purpose of educational and cultural exchange, NOT EMPLOYMENT, although many participating in the program may be paid by the University of Georgia.

International Student, Scholar and Immigration Services within the Office of International Education is responsible for administering the Exchange Visitor Program at the University of Georgia, and for approving and signing all documentation connected with the Exchange Visitor Program. Effective July 1, 2007, issuing the DS-2019 became a fee-based service provided to departments at the University of Georgia.

J-1 scholar appointments at UGA are in one of the following four categories:

1. A Research Scholar is "an individual primarily conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project" and "may also teach or lecture unless disallowed by the sponsor." This is the most common designation at UGA. Five year maximum limit.
2. A Professor is "an individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting" and "may also conduct research unless disallowed by the sponsor." Non-Tenure Position - Five year maximum limit.
3. The Short-term Scholar category permits individuals to come to UGA for short-term academic exchange for the purpose of lecturing, consulting or research. Six month maximum with no extension allowed.
4. J-1 Specialist is "an individual who is an expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skill coming to the US for observing, consulting, or demonstrating special skills." This designation is limited to one year only.

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.
• Clinical appointments to the Schools of Dental or Veterinary Medicine or affiliated centers

Form	Description
Department's Request for DS-2019 for J-1 Exchange Visitor	Department use this form to request a DS-2019 for an exchange visitor to begin a new program, extend a current program or transfer from another sponsor.
Please see the DS-2019 Request Process Flowchart for the procedures and time allowances for inviting an Exchange Visitor.
Scholar’s Request for New DS-2019	Use this form when need to replace a lost DS-2019, amend a previous DS-2019, reinstate J status, travel and need a new visa to re-enter the U.S. or request family member(s) to join you. This form is NOT used to BEGIN or EXTEND a stay.