J-1 Visa/Exchange Student Admissions

Apply to UL Lafayette and join our campus community. We're excited to be your host.

UL Lafayette is a host site for J-1 exchange students who are enrolled in our partner institutions around the world. We'll host you in one of the most unique cultural areas of the United States.

Our visiting students will be welcomed by our special version of Southern hospitality that our Cajun and Creole cultures are known for. Enhance your education with a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience. 

Other programs

J-1 Visa for interns and professors/research scholars

Requirements for J-1 (Visiting) Student Application Checklist

To be admitted to UL Lafayette you must be eligible to return to the institution you attended before.

If you鈥檝e earned 24 or more hours, you must:

  • Have a 2.25 GPA or higher once converted to the U.S. scale (excluding developmental or remedial courses)
  • Complete both college-level freshman English courses with a grade of C or better
  • Complete college-level mathematics with a grade of C or better
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency
    • If you completed a college-level English course at another school in the U.S., that will satisfy this requirement.

If you鈥檝e earned fewer than 24 hours, you must:

Undergraduate J-1 (Visiting) Student Application Checklist

If you plan to take classes at UL Lafayette, complete the online application for undergraduate admission by the appropriate deadline. Please select the following on your application:

  1. Select Admission Type -Non-Degree: I do not plan to seek a degree/certificate.
  2. Select Student Type -Non-Degree Student: I want to take college courses, but not seek a degree/ certificate
  3. Academic Program -Visiting Student
  4. On the next page, when asked 鈥淲hich visa type do you plan to study under?鈥 please select (J1) Exchange Scholar.

Pay the $25 application fee online using MasterCard, Discover Card, Visa or American Express. U.S. check or U.S. money orders made out to UL Lafayette are accepted and can be mailed to:

  • 天美视频 at Lafayette
    Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment PO Box 41210
    Lafayette, LA 70504-1210

Submit all official transcripts from any secondary school, college or university attended. Transcripts must be provided in the original language written, but official translations must also be provided. Evaluations of transcripts are also accepted if the evaluating service is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. For a list of members, visit All transcripts should be mailed directly to:

  • 天美视频 at Lafayette
    Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment PO Box 41210
    Lafayette, LA 70504-1210

If mailing by courier, please use the physical address:

  • 天美视频 at Lafayette
    Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment 1311 Johnston Street
    Lafayette, LA 70503
Provide official copies of TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo/Accuplacer/SAT/ACT scores as proof of English proficiency sent directly from the testing center. The institutional TOEFL (ITP) is accepted for J-1/Visiting students.
Provide evidence of adequate financial resources as stated on the Confidential Financial Form for J-1 Students. A bank statement matching the amount on the form must be provided.
Provide a nomination letter from your home institution recommending you as a prospective student at UL Lafayette. If your university is providing funding, the amount must be listed on your Confidential Financial Guarantee and a bank statement of personal funds must be submitted to cover any additional costs. If your university has a Global Partnership, please have your nominator indicate the name of the Memoranda of Agreement on your letter.
Complete the J-1 packet and return it to intladmissions@louisiana.edu or one of the mailing addresses above.
Complete and submit a Proof of immunization form. Questions regarding immunizations or exemptions can be directed to immunizations@louisiana.edu.
Scan and send a copy of your valid passport to intladmissions@louisiana.edu. This ensures that your DS-2019 will be issued correctly.
Submit a resume with all relevant work experience and a correct mailing address.

 

Why Choose UL Lafayette

70+

different countries represented on campus

Our students come from around the world to make UL Lafayette their new home.

International Week every spring celebrates our international students and the cultures they bring to campus.

450+

international students

Our students come from 70+ different countries and to all of them we say: You are welcome here.

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