J-1 Visa Application Process

• Contact OVIS to complete the prerequisite steps to request a DS-2019 form, which will allow you to apply for a J-1 exchange visitor visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
   
• Schedule an interview for your J-1 exchange visitor visa when you have received your Form DS-2019 from OVIS. It is important to apply for your J visa stamp as far in advance as possible. Many consulates recommend appointments be made no more than 90 days from the intended date of travel, but some can accommodate earlier arrangements for interviews.
   
• Complete Form DS-160 and pay the visa application fee (not the same as the SEVIS fee) plus any reciprocity fees, by following instructions from your U.S. embassy or consulate.
   
• Pay the SEVIS fee.
   
  • Complete the online form and pay by credit card. Be sure to type your name exactly as it appears on your passport & DS-2019 form.
     
  • Print the receipt. You will need it at your visa interview (Canadians must carry the receipt upon entry to the United States).
     
  • If you are transferring from another U.S. institution, requesting a J-1 extension, or applying for a J-2 dependent visa, you do not need to pay the SEVIS fee.

Prepare and bring to your visa interview the following:

• Passport valid for at least six months into the future
   
• Form DS-2019
   
• Invitation, appointment, or employment offer letter from Dartmouth College
   
• Completed visa application DS-160 (Canadian citizens do not need to provide this)
   
• Two 2" x 2" photographs in the prescribed format. The U.S. State Department has more information about this requirement.
   
• DS-160 (visa application) receipt
   
• I-901 (SEVIS fee) receipt
   
• If you are self-funded, financial evidence that shows you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and/or tuition during the period you intend to be at Dartmouth College.
   
• Any evidence that demonstrates non-immigrant intent. This is evidence that you will return to your home country after finishing your exchange program in the U.S. and may include proof of property ownership, evidence of employment in your home country, family ties, open bank accounts, or other ties to your community.

The Department of State has more information on bringing family members to the U.S., returning to continue your studies, renewing your visa, or applying for a J-1 visa.

Scholars have two possible options for acquiring J-1 status using the Form DS-2019:

1. By applying for a J-1 visa stamp at a U.S. Consulate abroad and seeking admission to the U.S. with the visa stamp and Form DS-2019 (note Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement); or,
2. By filing an application for change of status with USCIS if already in the U.S. in a valid nonimmigrant status and not planning to travel outside the country. 

Scholars considering an application for change of status must notify OVIS in order to request a Form DS-2019 issued for change of status instead of initial entry.  Applications for change of status are filed on Form I-539 with USCIS, and include a filing fee and supporting evidence including the Form DS-2019 and evidence of current, valid nonimmigrant status.  If the application is not approved by the program start date listed on the Form DS-2019, OVIS will need to defer the start date in the government's SEVIS database and issue an amended Form DS-2019.  Detailed information about eligibility for filing, required fees and supporting evidence can be found on the USCIS website as well as Study in the States. 

Changes of status can take many months to be processed by USCIS, and international travel is prohibited when the application is filed and while it is pending.  There is the option to request premium (expedited) processing for an additional filing fee.  You should carefully consider whether international travel is the best option based on your personal situation, considering such factors as ability to travel, wait times at the U.S. consular post, and others.

An application for change of status is a personal application and can impact immigration status, ability to travel, and eligibility for future immigration benefits.  OVIS is not authorized to provide legal advice to students and scholars who are considering filing an application to change status.  OVIS can provide referrals to immigration counsel for legal advice and risk assessment.