J1 Visa

Columbus, Ohio – Franklin University, one of the leading educators of working adults in Central Ohio, is proud to announce it has been designated by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) as a sponsor within the DOS Exchange Visitor Program (J-Visa). Franklin University’s DOS designation covers the following categories:college/university students, short-term scholars, professors, and specialists. 

The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program, administered by the Department of State under the provisions of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended, is to increase mutual understanding through educational and cultural exchanges between the people of the U.S. and people of other countries.  The Exchange Visitor Program provides foreign nationals opportunities to participate in exchange programs in the United States with the expectation that upon completion of their exchange program, they will return home to share their experiences. 

Dr. David Decker, President of Franklin University remarked, “Attaining Exchange Visitor sponsorship status with the U.S. Department of State is a key element of Franklin University’s long-term strategic plan.  Consistent with current trends, this designation facilitates our efforts to keep Franklin abreast of what is happening in the world.  It will also help us better serve our students as they prepare for an increasingly global economy and workplace.  In addition, we are very pleased to begin a new leadership role for Franklin University; one that helps bring not just Franklin, but the greater Central Ohio community, into increasing international exposure and prominence.”  

The U.S. Department of State designates U.S. organizations such as government agencies, academic institutions, educational and cultural organizations, and corporations to administer exchange visitor programs. These organizations are known as sponsors. Sponsors screen and select exchange visitors to participate in their programs based on the regulations governing the exchange activity and stated in 22 CFR Part 62. Sponsors provide participants pre-arrival information, an orientation, and monitor their activities throughout their exchange program. 

Students
Students are eligible for an exchange visitor visa if at any time during their college studies they are financed by the U.S. government, the student’s home government, an international organization, or are funded substantially from any source other than personal or family funds. Under certain circumstances, work permission is allowed.  Prospective Students must contact the Office of International Services & Programs at Franklin University for more information.   

Short-Term Scholars
Short-Term Scholars are permitted to participate in lecturing, observing, and consulting in seminars, workshops, conferences, study tours, professional meetings, or similar types of educational and professional activities for a period of up to six months. 

Professors
This designation allows for exchange opportunities in research, teaching, lecturing, observing, or consultation at the Franklin University campuses. A professor or research scholar in this category is given up to five years to complete teaching and research objectives among others 

Specialists
The specialist category allows experts in a field of specialized knowledge or skill to come to the United States to observe, consult, or demonstrate special skills for a period up to one year.

Franklin University has already received applicants and is in the process of inviting its first Exchange Visitor Scholar to campus this fall.

About Franklin University
Founded in 1902, Franklin University is one of the leading and most experienced educators of adult students. Annually, more than 11,000 students attend Franklin, both at its Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, three Central Ohio locations, and at its newest location in Indianapolis, in addition to online. Franklin offers 27 undergraduate majors (including three new available Fall 2010) as well as three graduate programs and graduates more than 1,500 students annually. The University’s MBA Program is offered internationally through agreements with institutions in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.  Further information regarding Franklin University can be found at www.franklin.edu.