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Passports and J-1 Visas

Passports & Expiration Dates

For purposes of immigration law, passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the period of the approved stay in the US. Exchange Visitors (EVs) should check the passport expiration date and get a new passport or an extension if needed. It is best to do this before applying for the J-1 visa. If an EV finds an extension is required after arrival, foreign embassies in the US can provide instructions on renewals. This process can take several weeks so allow plenty of time.

J-1 Visas

The J-1 visa stamp in an exchange visitor’s passport, along with the DS-2019 gives permission to apply for entry into the US. Exchange visitors should contact the US Embassy or Consulate that has jurisdiction over his/her place of residence and follow the appropriate procedures to obtain a visa to enter the United States. One may also apply for a visa in another consular jurisdiction where you are “physically present, but only if that country has agreed to process visa applications for “third country nationals” (TCNs). The majority of consular officers do accept applications from TCNs, nevertheless, it may be more difficult or time consuming than applying from your home country. If one is already in the United States with a visa classification other than J-1, the person wishing to hold a J-1 visa must apply for a change of status, or consider departing the country and re-entering. See the section on “Change of Status” for more information.

Immigration and consular officials carefully scrutinize a visa applicant’s intentions. The burden is on the visa applicant to prove strong ties to his/her home country and intent to return home. Without this proof, an applicant will be denied a visa as it is assumed s/he has intent to stay in the USA or “immigrate.”

In general, an exchange visitor will need the following to apply for a J-1 Visa:

• Valid Passport
• Proof of having paid the SEVIS fee
• Form DS-2019 issued by current sponsor
• Financial Support Documentation
• Admission to University or Letter of Invitation for Special Program
• Form DS-156 (Application for Non-immigrant Visa)
• Form DS-157 Supplement to DS-156 for males between 16 and 45
• Form DS-158 Supplement to DS-156 for F, M and J visa applicants
• Photographs
• Machine Readable Visa Fee Payment Receipt
• Any Applicable visa reciprocity fee
• Proof of intent – Evidence of residence abroad and intent to depart the US after completion of the program - such as a letter from employer in home country
• Evidence of English ability sufficient for exchange program
  

The consular office will evaluate the documents submitted, conduct an interview, and determine if the applicant is eligible for a J-1 visa and whether s/he would be subject to the 2-year home country physical presence requirement. The officer will verify that the DS-2019 was issued through SEVIS by checking the SEVIS data in their database. They will also review funding, English language ability, residency, future plans, etc. If eligible, the officer will sign and return the DS-2019 and issue a J-1 visa, which is affixed in the passport.

The visa for entry to the United States in and of itself does not determine how long one can stay in the US. Do not confuse the validity of a visa stamp as being the sole indication of the length of approved stay here. The visa must be valid at the time of any entry to the US; it does not have to be valid for you to remain in the US as long as you have a valid DS-2019 and are within the stated program dates. The combination of a visa, stamped I-94 card and stamped DS-2019 form indicate the approved length of stay.

Mandatory Security Checks

Please note that security and name checks can significantly delay the visa approval process anywhere from 4-12 weeks. This varies from country to country. More information can be found on U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites.
Please go to the following websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information:

http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/

http://usembassy.state.gov/

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html