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What is a sponsored student?
A sponsored student entered the U.S. on a J-1 student status to take classes or participate in an exchange program at UGA but whose immigration documents were not issued by UGA. If the immigration document you have been issued does not list the University of Georgia as your sponsor in box #7 then you are NOT sponsored by UGA. Examples of non-UGA sponsored students are J-1 students who come to study at UGA with Fulbright, IREX, LASPAU, USAID or other international exchange organization sponsorship. While a sponsored student is studying in the U.S. there are multiple levels of communication that are required to maintain valid J-1 status.
What is different for a non UGA sponsored student?
Ultimately, the majority of communication must take place with the people at the sponsoring agency. The Responsible Officer or RO (the title given to the person who must maintain data in the SEVIS government tracking system) works for the sponsoring agency and is the only person who can make changes to a J-1 student’s immigration documents.
Things such as changing your major, obtaining a travel authorization, requesting to enroll in less than a full course load, or adding a dependent must be communicated with the RO employed by your sponsor. In addition, the international advisors in the Office of International Education cannot issue documents that verify immigration status, such as those required by the Social Security Administration. You will need to work closely with the official whose name and contact information is listed on your DS-2019 to obtain any documents supporting an immigration related request or if you have to document your financial support.
How can the advisors in the OIE assist me?
The international student advisors at the Office of International Education are dedicated to providing guidance and information to non-UGA sponsored students but in many cases the actual request and action must be cleared through the sponsoring organization.
All non-UGA sponsored students are still encouraged to attend the new international student orientation that is sponsored by the Office of International Student Life at the beginning of each semester (http://www.uga.edu/isl/). Also, be sure to come to the Office of International Education when you arrive to campus to check-in and allow the OIE to obtain copies of your immigration documents. This helps us know what students are studying at UGA with external sponsorship and keep records so we can assist with any questions you may have throughout your time studying at UGA. All students who check-in will be added to the OIE weekly announcements listserv which provides important reminders relevant to all international students at UGA.
Additional questions? E-mail visahelp@uga.edu
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Prospective Students
Sponsored Students