J-1 Scholar Pre-Arrival Checklist
STEP 1: Obtain J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Applications for J-1 Visas require:
- Valid unexpired passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay)
- Form DS-2019
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Evidence of financial support
- Visa application fee receipt
- Recent “2x2” U.S. passport-style photograph
- Additional forms and/or documents as required by the embassy/consulate at which you will apply
- Additional information on visitor visas is available at the Department of State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
STEP 2: Pay the SEVIS Fee
What is the SEVIS Fee?
The SEVIS I-901 fee (http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901), implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is a fee intended to defray costs associated with the administration of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This rule took effect on September 1, 2004. The current fee for exchange visitors (J-1) is $220.
Who Must Pay the SEVIS Fee?
- Students & Scholars seeking an F-1 or J-1 visa from a U.S. consulate abroad for "initial" attendance at a U.S. school
- Students seeking a J-1 visa from a U.S. consulate abroad to commence participation in a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
- Persons applying for a change of status to F-1 or J-1
- Canadians exempt from the visa requirement who are seeking entry at a U.S. port of entry for "initial" attendance at a U.S. school or Exchange Visitor Program
- J-1 students applying for a change of program category within the U.S.
- J-1 students transferring from fee-exempt Federal Government sponsored programs (such as Fulbright) to other J-1 programs
- J-1 students transferring from reduced-fee J-1 programs to full-fee J-1 programs
- J-1 students applying for reinstatement
IN ALL THINGS EXCELLENCE