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.
The U.S. Department of State allows students who are enrolled in degree programs at home universities (in other countries) to be sponsored for an intern position, for up to 12 months duration, in the U.S.
It is critical that you are aware of the legal requirements, obligations, and benefits associated with your legal status as a J-1 exchange visitor in the U.S. Please click on the links below for more important information.
Exchange visitors must maintain the required insurance for themselves and any J-2 status dependents for the entire duration of the academic program.
In order to leave the U.S. and re-enter in valid student status, students should plan carefully.
F-1 and J-1 students and their dependents must have a signature from an Immigration Services advisor on the form I-20 or DS-2019 before they department the U.S. To obtain the signature, please visit the Office of Global Engagement Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-5:00PM or join us for Travel Signature Day on Reading Day each academic term.
Students returning to enroll in classes need the following documents to re-enter the U.S.: o Passport issued by student’s country of citizenship with an expiration date of no less than 6 months in the future o F-1 or J-1 visa obtained at an U.S. Consulate or Embassy located outside the U.S. & valid at the time of re-entry to the U.S. o Unexpired I-20 or DS-20 signed for travel o Students my find it helpful to travel with an Enrollment Verification statement issued by the UGA Registrar. Students may request this document in ATHENA.
Students may travel to some locations for a short visit without renewing a new student visa. This is called “Automatic Revalidation” There are several conditions for this option to be possible. Please contact your Immigration Services Advisor with specific questions.
All Student-Interns and sponsoring UGA Departments must submit evaluations of the intern's performance, including the number of hours performed, the type of training, and the quality of the performance. Evaluations are submitted through the Compass portal.
All programs must do a concluding evaluation, and programs lasting more than six months must do a midpoint and concluding evaluation. Immigration Services will retain these evaluations for at least three years following the completion of the student's internship program.
