Office of International Programs

In our increasingly interdependent world, studying abroad can add to your college experience and boost your resume while opening your eyes to a new culture, giving you a fresh perspective on your way of life. Carefully selecting the right study abroad program can give you some unique insight into your field of interest while helping you become more appealing to future employers, regardless of your major.

Departments who wish to host a J-1 Exchange Visitor must fully complete and submit the appropriate request form AND all required supporting documents at least three months in advance of the Exchange Visitor’s proposed start date at Appalachian.

A prospective J-1 Exchange Visitor in one of the aforementioned categories must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

There are several different categories of Exchange Visitors that Appalachian is approved to sponsor. ISSSO will work with the hosting department and Exchange Visitor to determine the most appropriate category.

Professor - Individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at a post-secondary accredited educational institution, museum, library, or similar type of institution. A professor may also conduct research. Professors are required stay in the U.S for a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum stay of up to 5 years.

F-1 students and J-1 Exchange Visitors who wish to obtain a North Carolina driver’s license may be able to do so.

The documents you will need to present to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) are:

All J-1 Exchange Visitors who are on Appalachian payroll will require a Social Security number. The closest Social Security Administration office is in Wilkesboro, NC. ISSSO will provide transportation to the Social Security Administration office for eligible students and scholars three times each semester. If you are unable to go at the times that the ISSSO organizes, your faculty host will provide arrangements for you to go. For information about future trips, please contact us at issso@appstate.edu.

The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa was created to provide opportunities for cultural exchange between the United States and other nations, thereby “building mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries.” These activities are an essential component of the J-1 Exchange Visitor’s experience at Appalachian and required for Appalachian to continue to host J-1 Exchange Visitors.

Appalachian is required by federal immigration regulations to provide an orientation for all new J-1 Exchange Visitors. ISSSO will conduct one orientation session each spring and fall semester. It is your responsibility to ensure that your J-1 Exchange Visitor is present at the orientation session.

Each Exchange Visitor that is being paid by Appalachian is required to complete an I-9 form and other required paperwork with Human Resources upon arrival. Please make arrangements for your Exchange Visitor to meet with staff member at HR as early as possible. Please make sure that they bring the following documents to this meeting:

• Form DS-2019
• Passport
• Print out of I-94
• Voided check and information to set up direct deposit

All J-1 Exchange Visitors are required by federal immigration regulations to physically check in with an approved staff member upon arrival. Please work with your faculty host to schedule a time as soon as possible, and bring the following documents and information to the appointment: