English Language Proficiency

Georgia Institute of Technology English Language Proficiency Policy:

The Department of State (DOS) established regulations that require sponsors to identify English language proficiency for exchange visitors coming to the U.S. on J-1 visas. Sponsors must review evidence from an objective measure that demonstrates the exchange visitor has “sufficient English proficiency to perform their jobs, navigate daily life in the United States, read and comprehend program materials, understand fully their responsibilities, rights, and protections, and be able to obtain assistance.”  Georgia Tech requires evidence of English language proficiency to determine eligibility to participate in a specific Exchange Visitor program at Georgia Tech. The level of proficiency required aligns with the category and the type of activities the Exchange Visitor will engage.

Minimum Proficiency:

• Scholar category: High Beginner level proficiency
• Student Intern, professors and specialist categories: Intermediate level proficiency

Acceptable Evidence of English Language Proficiency:

Georgia Institute of Technology will accept the following evidence of English language proficiency for eligibility to participate in our J-1 exchange program:

• An assessment conducted by the GT Language Institute showing the minimum level of English for Georgia Tech's J category.

• Evidence that the prospective scholar is a native English speaker.

• A language proficiency test score using the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) grading scale such as the iBT TOEFL or IELTS taken within the last two years, demonstrating the minimum test scores.

• Evidence of pursuit of an academic degree from an institution of higher education that was taught in English, in the form of transcripts with grades and the grading scale written in English from a college or university. When it is not written on the transcript or otherwise obvious, the scholar must also provide evidence that the language of instruction in the classroom was English.

• Evidence of completion of an English training program in the form of a transcript, which documents the grades earned, the grading scale, and the level of English proficiency achieved, which can be evaluated based on the Georgia Tech rubric.

• Evidence showing regular professional use of English. This can be documented using the Georgia Tech attestation form.  The attestation must document the name and affiliation of the interviewer, the mode of the interview, and the language proficiency level based on GT's rubric. 

*We do not accept Duolingo as proof of English proficiency.  

Georgia Tech Policy Rubric and Test Score Matrix:

• Georgia Tech English Proficiency Rubric (pdf)
• Georgia Tech Test Score Matrix (jpg)
• Georgia Tech English Language Attestation Form (pdf)

GT Language Institute Assessment Description:

The Georgia Tech Language Institute (GTLI) offers an assessment of English language proficiency at the request of a Georgia Tech host unit. The assessment is arranged by the HR administrator once they have been notified that the J Exchange Visitor Program is the appropriate visa type and prior to issuing the DS-2019. The GTLI contacts the prospective Exchange Visitor via e-mail to schedule the assessment. The assessment is conducted online using an online platform.  The scholar must have a microphone, a webcam, access to email, and the internet. The test will take approximately 30-40 minutes to assess the reading, listening, and oral skills. The host department OR the J scholar can pay the nominal charge for administering the assessment. The GT Language Institute will email the sponsor and the scholar a copy of the assessment report within 3-5 business days of the assessment.