How to get a J-1 visa ?

Step-by-step guide

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Get a visa is the first step of your expatriation to the United States !

You must get the proper documents to be authorized to work in the United States. Prospective international postdocs can generally apply either for a J-1 or H-1B visa, although it may depend on your individual circumstances. However, the university will preferentially sponsor J-1 status even if you would qualify for both J-1 and H-1B status. We will detail the steps to apply for a H-1B visa in a future article.

Most international postdoctoral scholars are sponsored on J-1 visas.

Get a J-1 visa through the Exchange Visitor Program

The Exchange Visitor Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS), allows universities to host international researchers for a defined period of time.

–  Three categories may apply  –

J-1 Research Scholar

(In most cases)

Up to 5 years

J-1 Short Term Scholar

Up to 6 months

No extension allowed

J-1 Specialist

For experts in a field of specialized knowledge or skill

Up to 1 year

No extension allowed

A step-by-step guide to apply for your J-1 visa

Created April 1st, 2017

J-1 Visa

1 – Request a DS-2019 form

The sponsoring organization (e.g. the university you will work for) will submit a DS-2019 request for you. The DS-2019 form or Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status is a crucial document that will allow you to apply for a J-1 visa.

To complete a DS-2019 request for you, your sponsor will need the following information about you:

  • Location

    City and country of birth

    Country of citizenship

    Country of permanent residence

  • Contact

    Telephone number

    Fax number (if you have one)

    E-mail address

  • Employment

    Place of current employment in your country of residence

    Title at your place of current employment

  • Dependent family members

    Spouse and/or children coming to the U.S. with you

You may be asked a scan from your passport and your Ph.D. thesis diploma too.

Is your future employer in the list of designated sponsor organizations involved in the exchange visitor program ?

Check here

Your sponsor will fill this document, indicating a description of your activity, the start and end date, the category of exchange and an estimate of your compensation, and mail it back to you.

Once you receive the DS-2019 form filled by your sponsor, you sign the first page and you can now start the second step.

Important notice

If you will have family members traveling in the U.S. with you (spouse and/or children less than 21 years old), you must ask your sponsor to request a DS-2019 form for them too.

2 – Pay SEVIS I-901 fee ($180)

You are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($180) when you apply for a J-1 visa. This fee is mandated by congress to support the exchange visitor program.

Please follow this link and have your DS-2019 and credit/debit card with you:

Pay SEVIS I-901 fee

You can pay by credit card/check/money order/Western union.

It is important to save the electronic payment confirmation that will serve as proof of payment during your interview at U.S. embassy.

3 – Complete DS-160 form online

The form DS-160 is the nonimmigrant visa application that you need to fill online.

Fill DS-160 application

Important

You must upload your photo during the application. This is a critical step that may lead to visa denied if not done properly so we would recommend you to use a professional visa photo service from your local area.
Ask for 1 photo 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size that you will bring for the interview and 1 digital image to upload during this application.


Find all photo requirements

If you see a “X” instead of the photo you uploaded, it means the upload failed and so you will need to bring the print photo the day of your interview.

You must provide the following information: Personal, Address, Phone, Passport/Travel Document Information, Travel Information, U.S. Contact Information, Family Information, Work/Education/Training Information, Security and Background Information, Student/Exchange Visa Information, Location Information.

Please be sure to keep a copy of the confirmation page. You will need it for your interview at the U.S. embassy.

4 – Pay visa application fee ($160) and request an interview at a U.S. embassy

You need to get an appointment for an interview at a U.S. embassy in your country of current residence or home country.

– Here is how to proceed –

1 Visit the website for appointment service for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant.

Get an appointment at U.S. embassy

2 Select the country from which you apply for your J-1 visa and you will be redirected to a webpage to sign-up.

3 You select “I have completed the U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa application (DS-160) form and I need to apply for a visa”.

4 Enter you last name, first name, email address and set up a password.

5 Once you are logged in, enter DS-160 confirmation number for your visa application.

6 Complete the courier document return process.

7 Pay the Nonimmigrant Visa (MRV) application fee.

8 Now you can schedule a consular section appointment !

If your country was not listed in the above link, please visit this page:

Check here


Tip for appointment availability

If you want an appointment earlier to the one you are currently scheduled, you should check regularly for new appointments availability that often appear due to modifications/cancellations of other applicants.


Important notice

You (and your dependents) are not required to pay the visa application processing fee if your J-1 visa is sponsored by the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or the U.S. government and you participate in a Department of State, a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), or a U.S. Government funded educational and cultural exchange program that has a program serial number beginning with G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-7 printed on form DS-2019.

In that specific situation, you should not use the website to request an interview but send directly an email to the U.S. embassy/consulate where you will apply for the visa.


Checklist

Important

Prepare the documents you will need for the interview

  • Form DS-2019. (Idem for family members traveling with you)
  • Form DS-160 confirmation page.
  • Confirmation and Instructions page printed from the appointment website.
  • Current passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay in the United States. (Idem for family members traveling with you)
  • The Student and Exchange Visa Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee receipt.
  • One 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) color photo taken within the last 6 months.
  • If you have dependents applying for J2 visa, an original marriage certificate (spouse) and/or birth certificate (for unmarried children under 21), as applicable.

Optional but recommended:

  • Payment receipt for visa application fee.
  • Original and copy of the appointment/offer letter from your future employer.
  • Original and copy of Ph.D. diploma.
  • Evidence that you have significant ties (employment and/or family) to your home country or country you intend to return at the end of your visa (family record book, property in your home country…).
  • Proof you have sufficient funds to cover part or all of the expenses while in the United States (appointment letter, bank account statement, payslips).

Please note that every consulate have their own procedure so make sure to double check the required documents prior to your interview date.

Airport control

Tips for the interview !

A consular officer will review your paperwork to make the final decision as to whether you qualify for the J-1 visa. It is important that during the interview you justify your intention to depart the United States upon completion of your postdoc.

Here are some common questions you should be asked:

  • Why do you want to go to the U.S.?
  • What will you be doing in the US?
  • What is your current occupation?
  • What are your qualifications?
  • Which university have you graduated from?
  • What program are you applying to?
  • Who is going to pay for your expenses?
  • Tell me about your housing.
  • Do you have family in the U.S.?

You must expect to have your fingerprints scanned as part of your application.

5 – Wait to receive your visa

Depending on the U.S. embassy/consulate, your passport will either be returned by picking it up at the embassy/consulate or delivered by courier.

You can obtain the estimated wait time to receive an interview appointment and the processing time for your visa to be ready for delivery by courier:

Check wait times

Please note that if your visa goes under administrative processing, it will take additional time, up to 60 days.

You can also check the status of your visa application:

Status visa application

Important

Do not make travel arrangements before you get your visa in hands!

We hope you will get your visa fast!

Approved

1 reply
  1. Dwaipayan Dutta Gupta
    Dwaipayan Dutta Gupta says:

    Hello!
    My son is presently in USA. His DS 2019 has been duly extended till june 2021 but his passport only shows the old visa stamp which has expired. He wishes to visit India from 9th to 24th Dec. Is it possible to get a fresh visa extension stamp on his passport before he leaves USA? If yes then pl advise the process . If he needs to apply in US consulate in India then does he again need to appear for an interview or he only applies on line and can submit his passport after reaching India? We are worried that since his visit in India is too short whether he can do the needful before leaving USA on 9th dec. Thanks in advance
    Dilip

    Reply

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