After we receive the necessary documents, the ISSS office will generate a Form DS-2019 for you from the US government’s SEVIS database and mail it to you via UPS or FedEx. You will need the original, blue-ink-signed Form DS-2019 with you to present during your interview with a US consular official before coming to the US.

You can book a visa appointment even before your DS-2019 arrives in the mail by using the SEVIS number and the Program number that was included in your pre-arrival email. An overview of the visa process is available on the US Department of State website, but it is important to check specific instructions for the US Embassy/Consulate where you will apply (visit your particular Embassy/Consulate’s website). You can also review the visa appointment times at various consulates.

Here are the main steps:

1. Pay the SEVIS Fee before your visa interview
2. Review the visa appointment wait times at various consulates.
3. Complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160 (NOTE – The Department of State has a page for DS-160 Frequently Asked Questions)
4. Pay the Visa Application fee and schedule your visa interview
5. Prepare your interview and the supporting documents (NOTE – make sure you check the website of the Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to check the requested documents).

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens applying for J-1 or J-2 visa status are not required to obtain a visa stamp at a US Embassy or Consulate to enter the US. Canadian citizens will simply need to present the following documents to the Custom and Border Protection (CBP) agent at the port of entry:

• Valid passport – valid at least 6 months past the end date on the form Ds-2019
• Valid DS-2019
• Proof of required SEVIS fee payment

Be sure to that the officer stamps your passport and indicates on the stamp “J-1” and “D/S” for Duration of Status under “admit until date”.

After your entry, you will be able to retrieve your electronic arrival record I-94 (I-94 website). Be sure that the I-94 list your entry as “J-1” with “D/S” as the “admit until date”. If it is not the case, please contact ISSS at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and send us copies of your passport, entry stamp and I-94.