Exchange Visitor Program
High Point University > Global Education > Immigration Matters > Exchange Visitor Program

The J-1 Student & Scholar Program

HPU has been designated to host international students and scholars under our Exchange Visitor Program. The Office of Global Education manages HPU's J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. We foster agreements with partner universities for exchange student study and we partner with HPU's academic departments to provide exchange programming for students, short-term scholars, research scholars, and professors. Welcome to the Global Education family as an exchange visitor, partner institution, or hosting department.
Cottrell Hall, Suite 142
The Office of Global Education Hosting International Scholars: A Departmental Guide
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About the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to promote the international educational exchange of expertise and to stimulate collaborative teaching and research efforts. Since its establishment as part of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (The Fulbright-Hays Act), the program has served as a valuable and important diplomatic tool of U.S. foreign policy. Its mission – to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries – remains vital to U.S. national security and building people-to-people connections around the world.
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Purpose of the Visit
The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program is to promote cultural and educational exchange between citizens of the United States and those of other countries. The program provides foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in exchange programs in the US and then return home to share their experiences. While the J-1 category does allow employment in certain circumstances, it is not a substitute for employment visas or other work authorizations. According to the Department of State, “The J-1 visa is also inappropriate for organizations seeking to augment their personnel complement.” In contrast to work visas and other employment authorizations, the Exchange Visitor Program is for the purpose of educational and cultural exchange.
Exchange Visitor Program | U.S. Department of State
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HPU's Exchange Program Sponsor
The Office of Global Education is responsible for administering the Exchange Visitor Program at High Point University and for approving and signing all documentation connected with the Exchange Visitor Program. As participants in the Program, HPU has been designated as an official Program Sponsor.  The OGE and those departments hosting Exchange Visitors are obligated to maintain the integrity of the program by following the rules and regulations designed by the US Department of State - Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Included in this obligation is regular reporting through SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System).
Understanding HPU's Exchange Visitor Program Categories
Hosting J-1 Scholars
A guide for HPU's colleges, schools, and academic departments to propose the sponsorship of an international scholar.
Hosting International Scholars
Immigration Matters
Regulations, laws, policies, and other immigration-related needs for international students and scholars in the U.S.
Immigration Matters
Student
A student participating on a bilateral exchange program between HPU and their home university, pursuing a degree, or participating in a student internship program that will fulfill the educational objectives of their degree program at their home university.
Research Scholar
A scholar whose primary purpose is conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project. They also may teach or lecture where authorized by the sponsor, but may not be tenure track and any employment is considered temporary.
Short-Term Scholar
A professor, research scholar, or person with similar education or accomplishments who enters the United States for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills.
Professor
A scholar whose primary purpose is teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting. They also may conduct research where authorized by the sponsor. A J-1 professor cannot be tenure track, and any employment is considered to be temporary.