Applying for Your J-1 Student Exchange Visa
 

The Form DS-2019 or "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" is the basic document used in the administration of the exchange visitor program and you will need it to apply for the J-1 exchange student visa. Applying for your visa should be a priority since we cannot predict how long the application process will take.

 SEVIS Fee
       SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a Web-based information system that keeps track of foreign students and other exchange program participants while they are in the United States. You are required to pay the $220 SEVIS fee before your visa interview.  Pay the SEVIS fee online and immediately print your receipt as a proof of payment for the visa interview: https://www.fmjfee.com/#.

 DS-160 online visa application
       You begin the Visa application process by completing the DS-160 online visa application and paying the application fee of $185.  The DS-160 online application is located at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. After you have completed the DS-160, print the DS-160 barcode page and keep it for your records.

 Contact your U.S. embassy or consulate
        Make an appointment for a visa interview by contacting the US Embassy or Consulate:  http://www.usembassy.gov/. This website also provides you with country-specific instructions regarding scheduling your visa interview and paying the visa application processing fee.

        Visa wait times for interview appointments and processing time information for each US Embassy or Consulate worldwide are available on the State Department's website, follow this link, and scroll down:
      https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html 

 The interview
        You must assemble all the required documentation for your interview:

  • Payment receipt of the SEVIS I-901 fee
  • A SEVIS-generated Form DS-2019. SUNY New Paltz will provide you with this document in your acceptance packet.
  • The printed barcode page of your online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160.
  • A passport valid for travel to the U.S. and with a validity date at least six months after the end date of your exchange program in the U.S.
  • One 2x2 photograph (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/photos.html)
  • Financial support documents which prove that you or your family have enough money for you to enroll in the Exchange Program

For the most up to date information about scheduling an appointment for an interview, paying the application processing fee, reviewing embassy specific instructions, and much more, please visit http://www.usembassy.gov/ and click on the location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you.

If you have any questions, please contact the International Student Advisor at the Center for International Programs at international@newpaltz.edu or call 845-257-3595.