The J Exchange Visitor category was developed to implement the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (Fulbright-Hayes Act) of 1961. The overall purpose of that Act, and the objective of the Exchange Visitor category, is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges.
Georgia Institute of Technology is authorized to sponsor individuals with the primary purpose of participating in an educational and cultural exchange and who will participate in academic or scholarly activities.
We sponsor J Exchange Visitors under student (student bachelors, masters, doctorate and non-degree student) or scholar categories (student intern, short term scholar, research scholar, professor and specialist).
Any individual who will enroll in classes on the Georgia Tech campus must complete the undergraduate admissions or graduate admissions process to be admitted to Georgia Tech as a student. More information about the student I-20 or DS-2019 request process can be found here.
Individuals who will not enroll in classes but will be hosted in an academic department at Georgia Tech to complete a research program or similar approved academic activity will often be suited for participation in the J Exchange Visitor Program with sponsorship from Georgia Tech.
J-1 Exchange Visitors for Research and Teaching
Individuals coming to Georgia Tech primarily to conduct research and/or teach will fall under one of the exchange visitor's categories of Professor, Research Scholar, Short-term Scholar, or Specialist. Each category has a specific purpose and maximum duration to be in that category.
- Professor - Exchange Visitor Category
Purpose: Engage primarily in Teaching.
GT minimum stay requirement: 4 Weeks
EV maximum length of stay: 5 Years
- Research Scholar - Exchange Visitor Category
Purpose: Engage primarily in research.
GT minimum stay requirement: 4 Weeks
EV maximum length of stay: 5 Years
- Short-Term Scholar - Exchange Visitor Category
Purpose: Engage primarily in Lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or special skills.
GT minimum stay requirement: 4 Weeks
EV maximum length of Stay - 6 months
- Specialist - Exchange Visitor Category
Purpose: Observing, consulting, or demonstrating special skills.
GT minimum stay requirement: 4 Weeks
EV maximum length of Stay - 1 Year
If you have questions regarding hosting J exchange visitors, please email jscholars@oie.gatech.edu.