New Students
Exchange programs in the United States are governed by the U.S. Department of State. The J-1 exchange program is for individuals who seek an educational and cultural experience in the United States. Bellarmine typically hosts undergraduate students for one or two semesters.
Bellarmine welcomes J-1 exchange students through either bilateral exchange agreements with partner institutions or through the ISEP program.
Getting Your Visa
A visa application is a time-consuming and slow process, unfortunately. First you must work with Study Abroad and International Programs to gather all your Bellarmine admission material. Next, International Support will approve those materials and create a document called a DS-2019. You cannot apply for your J-1 visa until the DS-2019 has been issued.
Please consult Bellarmine's
J-1 Visa Application Guide. If you have questions about the visa application process, contact International Support. There may be significant wait times for visa appointments at U.S. embassies, so it is important to complete applications early.
All international students are required to maintain medical insurance coverage while in the United States.
Arriving at Bellarmine
Consult our guide to travel. You can only arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date on your DS-2019. Contact International Support with any questions.
All students will be required to arrive to Bellarmine on a specific date for move-in and International Orientation. Make sure your travel plans accommodate this date. You will learn about Bellarmine, the city of Louisville, and the rules to maintain your student status. We must meet with you before the beginning of the semester, or your DS-2019 will be canceled automatically.