How do I apply?

A valid J‐1 visa is required to request entry to the United States on the Exchange Visitor Program once application is approved.

Receive and Review DS-2019 Form(s)

Ensure that the DS-2019 Form(s) for yourself all J-2 dependents are accurate. If you notice any errors or discrepancies, please contact your Ed2Chat representative. Print your DS-2019 Form(s). Each J visa applicant should sign his/her own DS‐2019, with the exception of children under age 14 (the J‐1 parent should sign in this instance).

Complete Online Visa Application (DS-160) and Pay the Visa Application Fee

You’ll need to complete the DS-160 form online. This form collects your personal information and details about your intended stay in the United States. After completing the form, you’ll receive a confirmation page and a barcode. The J-1 visa application fee must be paid before your interview.

Complete the SEVIS Fee Payment Form and Pay the Fee

Go to the SEVIS fee payment website, which is maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Complete the SEVIS fee payment form. You’ll be asked to provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, and SEVIS ID number (found on your DS-2019). Make sure to enter this information accurately. Print a copy of the receipt for your records and the visa interview.

Schedule the Visa Interview Appointment

You must schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country or country where you are currently residing. Wait times for interview appointments can vary, so it’s advisable to schedule your interview well in advance of your planned travel date. Remember that specific procedures and requirements may vary slightly depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply, so it’s essential to check their website for any additional instructions or updates.

Gather Required Documents

Prepare the necessary documents for your visa interview, including:
● Passport with Validity for at Least 6 Months into the Future
● DS-2019 for J-1 and J-2 Dependents
● DS-160 Confirmation Page
● Visa Application Fee Payment Receipt
● SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
● Two (2) Passport-sized Photograph(s) (sometimes required)
● Signed Offer Letter from Host School indicating the position, salary, and location.
● Evidence of Relationship for J-2 Dependents, such as marriage certificate or birth certificate, if applicable.
● Evidence of ties to your home country, such as property ownership, employment, or family relationships, to demonstrate your intention to return home after the J-1 program ends
● Any additional documents required by the embassy or consulate.

Attend the Visa Interview

On the scheduled date, attend your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Be prepared to answer questions about your J-1 program, your plans in the United States, and your ties to your home country. Be sure to know the specifics of your teaching position and your role at the host school. The consular officer will review your documents and make a decision on your visa application.

Wait for the Visa Decision

After the interview, you will be informed whether your visa application has been approved, denied, or if additional administrative processing is required. If you experience a denial or are subject to administrative processing, please contact your Ed2Chat representative for further guidance.

Receive the J-1/J-2 Visa

If approved, your passport with the J-1 visa stamp will be returned to you.

For more information about applying for and maintaining your visa, please visit the below links:
Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Visa Appointment Wait Time
About Visas – Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a school interested in hosting?
Visit our For Schools page or Contact Us

Are you a teacher interested in applying?
Visit our For Teachers page or Contact Us
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