Telephone: 706-542-2900
Click here for our recently updated FAQ Regarding Immigration Status and Services at UGA
Please note: In order to best serve our students and scholars during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration Services will continue to mail documents through fall semester to reduce in-person office visits. See here for more information.
Immigration Services at the University of Georgia provides centralized immigration and visa-sponsorship advising and services to international students, scholars, faculty and staff, and to UGA colleges and schools.
International students must first apply and be accepted to the University of Georgia. For more information regarding the admissions process, students should contact the appropriate admission office.
The appropriate Admissions office will evaluate the academic application materials to determine if the student is admissible. Upon admission, Immigration Services will contact students regarding their future immigration status at UGA. Admitted international students will be issued either the initial I-20 form (F-1 students) or the DS- 2019 form (J-1 students). These forms are required to apply for the appropriate visa from the U.S. Consulate in your home country.
Students attending academic institutions with a formal exchange agreement with the University of Georgia will be admitted as non-degree exchange students. Upon admission to UGA as a non-degree exchange student, students will receive an email from Immigration Services with instructions to request your DS-2019 form.
UGA offers a rigorous, supportive, and student-centered English language program. The UGA Intensive English Program offers courses for students at all levels from high-beginning to advanced English language skills. For more information please visit:
The Georgia State Board of Regents requires UGA to verify the lawful presence of all students prior to enrollment. International students on F-1 or J-1 visas will have their Verification of Lawful Presence (VLP) verified upon completion of online check in with Immigration Services. More information on VLP requirements can be found in the Immigration Services VLP FAQ and also on the Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions websites.
All transferring students who are interested in attending the University of Georgia must apply through the undergraduate admissions or graduate admissions offices.
Students currently attending another U.S. college, university, English school, or high school will request a transfer of their SEVIS record from their current academic institution before enrolling at the University of Georgia. UGA Immigration Services will contact students upon admission with instructions to request an I-20 or DS-2019. The I-20 or DS-2010 will be issued after the student’s current school releases the SEVIS record. Click Here for more information regarding the SEVIS transfer process.
