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:
- Pay the SEVIS Fee before your visa interview
- Review the visa appointment wait times at various consulates.
- Complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160 (NOTE – The Department of State has a page for DS-160 Frequently Asked Questions)
- Pay the Visa Application fee and schedule your visa interview
- 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).
Who? | Minimum Supporting Documents requested |
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Primary J-1 applicant |
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J-2 Dependents (spouse and child(ren) under age 21) |
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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