J-1 Exchange Students and Visitors

San Francisco State University’s Exchange Student Program provides students from 100+ partner institutions around the world the opportunity to study at SFSU for one or two semesters as non-degree-seeking students. All exchange students come to SFSU on university-sponsored J-1 visas.

Exchange Students at the International Student Orientation

The Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) was created by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. The EVP exists to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the United States and countries around the world. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State regulates this program. SFSU's exchange program allows exchange students from all over the world the chance to study for one or two semesters in the United States. 

Exchange Students

Participation in the exchange program includes: 

  • Comprehensive support from a team of dedicated exchange student advisors
  • A priority registration period to ensure the best access to SFSU classes possible
  • A 2-day orientation before the beginning of classes
  • Intercultural engagement opportunities through the International Education Exchange Council
  • Student perks such as gym access, tutoring, health services and transportation discounts 
  • Be nominated by one of SFSU’s exchange partner universities
  • Demonstrate strong academic standing at your home university
  • Explain what you hope to gain personally and academically
  • Demonstrate adequate English proficiency to succeed in the program
  • Be able to commit one or two semesters to the exchange program
  • Demonstrate adequate financial support for the duration of their studies at SFSU 
    *If a student's university is not an Exchange Program Partner, they are not eligible for the exchange program. However, students are welcome to apply to SFSU as a degree-seeking student. 

Application Process

Fall 2027

  • Nomination deadline: Mar 25, 2026
  • Application deadline: Apr 1, 2026

After being nominated, the student will be provided with instructions for completing the SFSU Exchange Program application. Students should complete this application as accurately as possible.  

When applying, students must provide the following information:  

  • A Personal Statement (250 to 500 words) explaining their interest in the exchange program regarding education, personal growth, etc.
  • A Course Proposal of at least eight SFSU courses that suit the student's interest and academic needs (the course proposal does not guarantee enrollment in these classes; it's purpose is to determine if the student is a good academic fit for the program). Commonly offered course can be found in the SFSU Course Listing.
  • Proof of Funding equal to or exceeding the required funds stated below. Accepted documents should be no older than 60 days and are limited to:
    • Personal bank statements in the student's name
    • Government scholarships / financial aid awards
    • Signed sponsorship letters (download the template below).
    • In special circumstances DoIE may be able to accept other forms of documentation. Please contact exchange@sfsu.edu with any questions. Do not send digital copies of sensitive financial documents by email.
    • 1 Semester minimum funding: $15,000
    • 2 Semesters minimum funding: $30,000
  • The student's most recent Academic Transcript. 
  • English proficiency documentation or proof of enrollment in a primarily English-taught university. Accepted documentation includes:
    • iBT/iBT Home Edition/iBT MyBest Scores: 61
    • IELTS/IELTS Indicator: 6.0
    • PTE Academic Score: 45
    • TOEFL: 500
    • TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
    • Faculty/Staff recommendation letter (download the template below).
    • On a case-by-case basis, DoIE may accept other English proficiency documentation. Please address such questions to exchange@sfsu.edu.
  • A clear digital copy of the student's passport, including the entire face page of the document. The student's passport must have a minimum of six months’ validity remaining.
  • Agreement to purchase the SFSU-approved health insurance plan.
  • Agreement to contribute to campus internationalization by participating in the International Education Exchange Council (IEEC).
  • Agreement to main J-1 immigration status for the duration of the student's program of study. 

Four to six weeks after the application deadline, SFSU’s Division of International Education will contact applicants directly with admissions decisions. Upon acceptance, the student can expect the following: 

Fall Timeline

  • Registration instructions (email): Early May
  • Visa application instructions (email): Early to mid May
  • Acceptance packet (email): Mid to late May
  • Pre-arrival orientation (Canvas): Mid June to early July
  • Health insurance reminder (email): Late July

Spring Timeline

  • Registration instructions (email): Early November
  • Visa application instructions (email): Early to mid November
  • Acceptance packet (email): Mid to late November
  • Pre-arrival orientation (Canvas): Early December
  • Health insurance reminder (email): Late December

Students may receive other correspondence before arrival, so it is recommended that they check their email regularly. 

Email Us

Email: f1@sfsu.edu

Drop In Advising Hours

In-Person

  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Zoom

  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sign Up for J-1 Zoom Advising 

 

SFSU J-1 Exchange Students Advising Schedule