International Visitors
Kennesaw State University encourages international collaboration and programming to embrace the true power of openness and leverage diverse perspectives, as well as to impact individuals and communities for positive change. The International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSS) is equipped to support international students, scholars, faculty, staff, and student interns coming to KSU on F-1, J-1, H-1B, and TN visa categories. However, in certain cases, other visa categories may be appropriate, so we have included some general information for KSU departments below. Please note that the ISSS Office does not advise on visa categories outside of those listed above, so we encourage hosting departments and visitors to do due diligence in ensuring visitors arrive in the appropriate visa category.
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B-1/B-2 Business or Tourist Visa
Visitors may fall into the B-1 category if they wish to visit the U.S. for a short time for business-related activities, such as to attend a conference or to meet with KSU departments for business meetings or negotiations. Visitors may fall into the B-2 category if they wish to participate in social or touristical events or to enroll in a short, non-credit, recreational course of study. U.S. employment is not permitted while a visitor is on a B-1/B-2 visa. However, an honorarium or reimbursement for expenses may be possible. For more information about B-1/B-2 visas, visit the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs' Visitor Visa webpage. -
Visa Waiver Program/ESTA Waivers
In some cases, citizens and nationals of certain countries are eligible for a waiver of the tourist visa when coming to the U.S. for less than 90 days for tourism or business. Visitors must be a citizen or nationals of a participating country and must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before arrival. Foreign nationals in the U.S. on ESTA are subject to the same restrictions on activities and employment as B-1/B-2 visitors outlined above. View the visa waiver program requirements. -
Other Visa Types
In the event that a B1/B2 visa or ESTA waiver is not appropriate, a good resource to identify the correct category is the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs' Visa Wizard. If you believe your visitor qualifies as a J-1 visiting research scholar, professor, or specialist, contact the ISSS for support. -
Visitors on Visas Sponsored by a Third Party
Occasionally, visitors may be sponsored for a visa (typically a J-1 exchange visa) by a third party. If this is the case, KSU as the host and the visitor as the visa holder must be sure to follow all of the regulations for the particular visa category, as well as any agreed-upon requirements of the third party. Be sure to know what is required of your department and of KSU and have any contracts or agreements reviewed prior to moving forward.