The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program

Exchange visitors are students, scholars, or student interns present at KSU on a J-1 visa through the U.S. Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program. Here at KSU, we are committed to promoting cultural and educational exchanges through reciprocal exchange activities with faculty and students. Below you will find pertinent information regarding the Exchange Visitor Program. Clicking on the yellow boxes will also lead you to information specific to your J-1 Exchange Visitor category. We look forward to sharing cultures with you! 
Need Immediate Assistance?

If you are experiencing an international or immigration emergency outside of normal business hours, please contact Global Education staff through the KSU Department of Public Safety and University Police at +1.470.578.6666. Please identify yourself as either: 1.) a student, faculty, or staff member experiencing an emergency abroad or 2.) an international student or scholar for your call to be routed appropriately.

 

About The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) was created by the Department of State (DOS) in 1961. The EVP’s goal is to increase understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. The EVP does this through educational and cultural exchanges.

KSU is designated by the Department of State to host exchange visitors in certain categories. These categories are non-degree student (exchange student), research scholar, short-term scholar, professor, specialist, and student intern. When KSU acts as a sponsor for an exchange visitor, we issue a DS-2019. This document is used with the J-1 visa. Information about the categories and requirements to receive a DS-2019 can be found by clicking the yellow boxes above.

The following information is provided by the U.S. government to regulate the EVP and to provide rights and protections to exchange visitors.

  • The official regulations regarding the Exchange Visitor Program are found in the Code of Federal Regulations, CFR Title 22, Chapter I, Subchapter G, Part 62.
  • Exchange visitors coming to the U.S. to work or study also have certain rights and protections under the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (Wilberforce Pamphlet). Please take a moment to review these rights and protections.

  • As an exchange visitor sponsor, KSU is required to ensure that exchange visitors have appropriate health insurance coverage during their stay in the U.S. The minimum requirements are:

    • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
    • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
    • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
    • A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

    More information on insurance options for scholars can be found here.

    With limited exceptions, exchange students will be enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan. More information can be found here.

About Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University offers many opportunities for exchange visitors to engage with faculty, staff, and the community. Additionally, the university provides many resources to encourage academic and personal success so that exchange visitors can achieve their goals.

  • The KSU campuses are located in Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia, about 30 minutes to the northwest of our state's capitol, Atlanta. We are a growing destination for the film industry as well as business giants such as Coca-Cola. 

    Kennesaw and Marietta share small-town Southern hospitality and history. Kennesaw Mountain, a battlefield site of the American Civil War, is visible from the Kennesaw campus. Today, the mountain is a national park where many students like to picnic and hike. Marietta has a picturesque downtown area called Marietta Square where locals like to shop and dine on the nights and weekends. Local landmarks near the campus include "The Big Chicken," the Marietta Diner, and the Dobbins Air Reserve Base. Both cities host several arts and food festivals, charity races, and events throughout the year. 

    Our location provides students and scholars the opportunity to enjoy Atlanta's many historical, cultural, natural, and tourist attractions. In the city, exchange visitors can visit the World of Coca-Cola, CNN, the U.S.'s largest aquarium, and the home of Martin Luther King, Jr. For those who enjoy nature, students and scholars can enjoy a stroll through our urban trail, the Beltline, or relax and float down the Chattahoochee River.

    Would you like a tour of campus? Take a virtual tour! 

  • Things are always happening around KSU! See below for different activities happening on and off campus.