Hosting a J-1 visiting scholar (Exchange Visitor) in your department for the purpose of research and/or teaching makes you a participant in the United States Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program at Georgia State University (P-1-03559).
The Exchange Visitor Program is for the purpose of educational and cultural exchange, NOT EMPLOYMENT, although many J-1 visiting scholars are also paid by Georgia State University. Host participation entails rights and responsibilities stipulated in the Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961 [Public Law 87-0256] and all subsequent amendments.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) administers the Exchange Visitor Program at Georgia State University, and issues, approves, and signs all related documentation, including the Form DS-2019 ("Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status"). Effective July 1, 2004, Form DS-2019 issuance became a fee-based service provided to departments and current Exchange Visitors at Georgia State University. ISSS charges $100 to academic departments for new J-1 scholar requests, and $50 for extension requests.
Departments who wish to host a J-1 visiting scholar must fully complete and submit the J-1 Scholar Request Form AND all required supporting documents AT LEAST 2-3 MONTHS IN ADVANCE of the visiting scholar's proposed start date at GSU. A list of required supporting documents can be found in section J of the J-1 Scholar Request Form and in the J-1 Scholar Checklist.
Prior to completing the attached J-1 Scholar Request Form, the requestor should carefully read the form's introduction and instructions to confirm that the J-1 scholar category is appropriate for the visitor's proposed activities at Georgia State University.
NOTE: Full-time study is NOT appropriate for the J-1 scholar category. Departments with questions about bringing J-1 exchange students for full-time study should refer to http://www.gsu.edu/isss/international_exchange_agreements.html
J-1 Document Processing and Timelines
Departments must submit a complete request packet (completed J-1 Scholar Request Form and all supporting documents) AT LEAST 2-3 MONTHS IN ADVANCE of the scholar's intended start date, in order to allow time for unanticipated delays in government processing, security clearance checks and visa issuance.
ISSS will issue the Form DS-2019 within 2-5 business days of receiving a complete request packet from the host department. The host department is responsible for sending the Form DS-2019 to the visiting scholar in his or her home country.
Forms