J1 Exchange Student Visa Application Information

The DS-2019 is the immigration document issued by SUNY Geneseo (your program sponsor).  When you receive your DS-2019, please carefully check the details to be sure that the information is correct.

2) Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

The SEVIS I-901 fee is a government fee that must be paid after you receive your DS-2019 and before you apply for your visa.  The SEVIS I-901 fee will increase to $220 on June 24, 2019.  The SEVIS fee can be paid online at www.fmjfee.com.  Print your I-901 fee payment receipt and keep it with your DS-2019.

3) Apply for your J1 Visa

We strongly encourage you to review the Exchange Visitor Website "How to Apply" page for up to date information, forms, and fee amounts.

1. Complete the online DS-160 Visa Application form.
2. Schedule your visa interview
   1. Contact your closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to schedule your visa interview and to learn any specific visa requirements.
   2. Find your U.S. Embassy or Consulate
   3. Collect your supporting documents. You will need:
      1. Your DS-2019 from SUNY Geneseo
      2. Your DS-160 Visa Application Form
      3. Valid Passport:  Your passport must have a validity date at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in the U.S.
      4. One 2x2 (passport-sized) photo:  See photo requirements.
      5. Check your U.S. Embassy or Consulate for any additional country-specific requirements
3. Attend your Visa Interview

Visa Interview Details

You will be interviewed in English by a Consulate Officer regarding your educational plans and intention to return to your home country. Be sure that you have prepared precise and concise replies. As an applicant for a J-1 visa, your purpose for coming to the United States is to study for a semester or year and then to return to your home country to complete your education. The Consulate Officer will ask you for evidence of your enduring ties to your home country, such as your family’s employment or owning property.

At the time of your visa interview, you will need to present the following documents:

• Receipt showing your SEVIS fee payment, if you are required to pay a fee (see above).
• U.S. Department of State Visa Application Form (Online) (Form DS-160).
• Visa Fee Receipt (if required)
• Original DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility issued by SUNY Geneseo
• Letter of Admission from SUNY Geneseo (the original letter, not a copy).
• Passport, valid at least six months after the completion of your Geneseo program.
• Other documents supporting your intention to return home, if available.
• Other documents and forms as required by the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in the country you are applying.
• Photos
• Note: This list is not exhaustive. The Consulate Officer may require further documentation.

4)  Review the Preparing for Departure information on the ISSS website

5)  Arrival in the U.S.

You may enter the U.S. with your J1 visa up to 30 days before the start of your program.  Upon arrival, you will pass through passport control and customs inspection.  Be sure to carry your DS-2019 and passport with you!  Do not put these documents in to your checked luggage as you will not have access to them before entering passport control.

Your electronic I-94 entry record will be created at the Port of Entry and can be viewed online anytime.  Your passport should be stamped with J1 and D/S.  If you do not see this stamp, check with a CBP official BEFORE leaving the customs area.

6) Have questions?  We are happy to help!

While we have no control over the issuance of visas, we are happy to answer questions and give advice throughout this process.  Email isss@geneseo.edu for assistance.  You can find more more visa information directly on the ISSS website.