Visa Issuance/Entry to the US: J-1 Scholars
Applying for a Visa
The DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility is issued by the Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and sent to the prospective Exchange Visitor. The J-1 advisor issues the DS-2019 for those coming under the sponsorship of the University of Kentucky.
Upon receiving the DS-2019, a SEVIS fee must be paid prior to applying for the visa.
Check the Web site of the appropriate American Consulate or Embassy to determine all documentation needed for the visa. Visas are issued at the discretion of the Consul, so presenting a properly executed DS-2019 and the SEVIS fee receipt does not necessarily guarantee the issuance of a visa.
Accompanying dependents are each issued a DS-2019 in order to apply for J-2 visas. They must be prepared to show proof of relationship to the J-1 applicant (a marriage certificate for the spouse and birth certificates for the children). The SEVIS fee is not charged to dependents.
NOTE: Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the United States, but they must show their passport, DS-2019 and I-901 SEVIS fee receipt at the port of entry where they will be issued an I-94 Arrival-Departure Record.
Entering the US
Exchange Visitors in J-1 status must arrive in the US no later than 30 days after their program begin date and no earlier than 30 days before that date. (See "Box 3" of the DS-2019.) If your arrival is going to be delayed beyond the 30-day limit, contact the J-1 Advisor.
An I-94 Arrival-Departure form is provided on all international flights. Prior to travel, be sure to read the instructions for completing this form at www.cbp.gov. This card documents your correct name (as noted in your passport), birth date, arrival date, port of entry and visa status. It also indicates admittance to the United State for "duration of status" or "D/S." This means that the stay is valid as long as you maintain legal status.
At the US port of entry, you will be asked to present a valid passport with J-1 visa, I-901 SEVIS fee receipt and your DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility. The Customs & Border Protection (CPB) officer may also wish to examine financial documents, so have those available. Your DS-2019 and I-94 will then be stamped with the arrival date.
Visa Validity
Since the visa is for entry purposes and is used only by consulates outside the US, it cannot be renewed while in the US. However, if you leave the US temporarily (with the intention of returning), you must be sure you possess a valid visa. If you do not have one, you must obtain a new one at the US consulate or embassy in the country you are visiting.