Visa – The stamp that a U.S. embassy or consulate affixes to the passport to indicate the kind of nonimmigrant status that a person is seeking. The only time you are required to have a valid visa is when you enter the U.S. You need to carefully review your visa for accuracy: information must be identical to your passport and DS-2019.

Form I-94 – CBP (Customs and Border Protection) has automated the I-94 process for applying for admission at U.S. ports of entry. Air travelers no longer need to complete paper Form I-94. The I-94 number is used to record your arrival and departure from the U.S. Using this number, CBP authorities can determine your arrival date into the U.S., the port-of-entry and your immigration status as a J-1 visa holder. You can obtain your I-94 number by visiting https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov after you have entered the U.S.

The U.S. government requires all J-1 scholars and their dependents to have health insurance coverage for the entire duration of their stay in the U.S. You must provide proof of health insurance to OISE within 10 days of arrival. Suggested insurance companies are listed at http://nafsa.org/resourcelibrary/default.aspx?id=8823. Your health insurance policy must meet the following minimum coverage: $50,000 per sickness or accident, $10,000 for medical evacuation, and $7,500 for repatriation of remains to your home country. These are requirements from the U.S. Department of State for anyone on a J visa.

Important! Please put all these documents (passport and DS-2019) in your carry-on luggage, not your checked suitcase. Also, we recommend that you make copies of all of these documents and place the copies in your checked luggage.