Non-Immigrant Visas

Exchange Visitor Visas ("J" category)

Exchange visitors must present a valid Form DS-2019 (formerly IAP-66, issued by the sponsoring agency or institution in the U.S.) This category includes U.S. Government-sponsored exchange visitors, visiting scholars, researchers, fellows, medical residents, au pairs, and high school exchange students. J visas cannot be issued to students who are not enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It is the responsibility of the U.S. educational institution to enter the student's personal data into SEVIS. If we are unable to locate your information in the SEVIS system, issuance of your student visa and visas for your accompanying family members will be delayed. Note that the name on your DS-2019 must exactly match the name on your passport.

All new exchange visitors with a Form DS-2019 issued on or after September 1, 2004 must pay a one-time SEVIS fee. Returning exchange visitors do not need to pay the SEVIS fee. This is a new fee developed to help cover the cost of the SEVIS program. The SEVIS fee is $100 for long-term exchange visitors. The fee is $35 for short-term exchange visitors, such as au pairs, summer work/travel participants, and camp counselors. The SEVIS fee must be paid at least three days prior to the visa interview.

Please visit the Fact Sheet for more information.

Please be aware that United States Department of Homeland Security regulations state that holders of F, M, or J nonimmigrant visas will not be admitted to the United States until a date thirty days or less prior to the beginning of their program date, or start date, as given on the Form I-20 (for F or M visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas). Please consider that date carefully when making travel plans to the United States.

Exchange visitor visa applicants and their accompanying family members must also fill out Form DS-158 in addition to the Electronic Visa Application Form (DS-156) and the Supplemental Non-immigrant Visa Application (DS-157), if applicable. Family members (J2) do not need to pay the SEVIS fee.

Applicants for work/travel programs should bring their transcripts to the visa interview in a sealed envelope.

Expedited visa appointment service is available to students applying for their F, J or M visas for academic degree programs. When you call to schedule your visa appointment, please indicate the school and the type of program for which you are applying, and request an afternoon appointment. The next available visa appointment will be scheduled for you.