The Exchange Visitor Program was developed to implement the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (the Fulbright-Hayes Act) of 1961. The overall purpose of the Act, and the objectives of the Exchange Visitor Program are to “foster global understanding through educational and cultural exchanges.” The U.S. Department of State sets the policies governing the Exchange Visitor Program and is responsible for issuing visas to exchange visitors. The Department of State also certifies exchange program sponsors (such as Marquette University) to administer the program on the local campus.

At Marquette, select staff in the Office of International Education (OIE) are designated Responsible Officers who monitor compliance and help Marquette departments who wish to host exchange visitors. OIE issues visa documents and assists visitors to maintain appropriate visa status during their stay.

The U.S. visa for participation in the Exchange Visitor Program is called a J visa. The Exchange Visitor Program may not be used for the sole purpose of employment, or for work that is completely independent with no relationship to Marquette University. For information about employment visas for university employees who do not qualify as an exchange visitor, contact Marquette Human Resources or the Marquette Office of the General Counsel.

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 J-1 Exchange Visitor Categories →

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