As an Exchange Visitor, you’ll need a J-1 visa to enter the United States. To obtain a J-1 visa you must visit a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is not possible to obtain a visa from within the United States. It is important to note that U.S. Embassies have different visa application procedures for scheduling a visa appointment and may include unique document requirements. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for J-1 Visa Application Instructions.
- Receive the J-1 DS-2019 from USC
- Pay mandatory SEVIS I-901 Fee
- Every Exchange Visitor who wishes to begin an “initial” program of study or research is required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Visitor will need information from their DS-2019 when paying the fee. The USC Program Number in SEVIS is P-1-00322
- Print the fee payment receipt to present at the visa interview and at the U.S. Port of Entry
- Complete the DS-160 visa application*
- Use only the “BACK” and “NEXT” buttons that are part of the application and not the web browser’s back and next arrows
- Be as accurate as possible with any questions asked and DO NOT submit the application until it is complete
- At the end of the online application, print the confirmation page with barcode that is required for all phases of the interview
- The U.S. Department of State provides additional guidance on completing the DS-160
- Schedule and complete visa interview at a U.S. embassy/consulate*
- To obtain the most current and accurate information on the visa application and interview process, Exchange Visitors should review the website for the U.S. consulate/embassy where they will schedule the visa interview
- Arrive at a U.S. airport and clear customs at a U.S. Port of Entry with the following documents:
- Original DS-2019
- Valid passport
- J-1 Visa Stamp in passport*
- SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
- Financial documents consistent with DS-2019
*Citizens of Canada and certain island countries are exempt from obtaining a J-1 visa as they do not need a J-1 visa stamp to enter the U.S. as J-1
Travel Note
J-1 visa holders may enter the U.S. 30 days prior to their DS-2019 start date. If you plan to arrive late, you may enter no more than 15 days from your DS-2019 start date. After 15 days, you will need an amended DS-2019 from OIS. Please review the Delayed Arrivals and Cancellations section of the OIS J-1 webpage for more information.