Exchange Visitor Visa J-1

The Exchange Visitor Visa facilitates cultural and educational exchanges between the U.S. and other countries. American universities, summer camps, hospitals and private foundations sponsor exchange programs.

In order to obtain an Exchange Visitor (J-1) Visa you must first be accepted by an authorized program in the Exchange Visitor Program. The organization must issue a DS-2019 form for you.

All applicants for student visas should follow the normal process to apply for a nonimmigrant visa. If your program begins very soon and you need an emergency appointment, please follow the instructions to request an expedited appointment.

If you are a “J exchange visitor” visa applicant, you must have the following before requesting an appointment:

1. A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must complete an application.
2. The completed and signed original Form DS-2019 issued by the institution or program which is sponsoring your visit to the U.S. as an exchange visitor. You may not apply more than 120 days prior to the start date of your program, as listed on your DS-2019.
3. A nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, completed and signed. Select Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156 to access the electronic version of the DS-156.

DOCUMENTATION TO BRING TO YOUR INTERVIEW:

1. A valid passport
2. The completed and signed original Form DS-2019 issued by the institution or program which is sponsoring your visit to the U.S. as an exchange visitor. You may not apply more than 120 days prior to the start date of your program, as listed on your DS-2019.
3. A receipt showing that any necessary SEVIS fee has been paid. This fee must be paid BEFORE you come to the Embassy for your interview. You cannot pay the fee at the Embassy or at a bank here in Cyprus. You must pay the fee online at www.fmjfee.com and print out the receipt to bring to the Embassy.
4. A Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156, completed and signed. Select Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156 to access the electronic version of the DS-156.
5. A 5cm X 5cm recent, high quality, clear, color photograph for each applicant showing full face forward against a white background). Click here for requirements.
6. A Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-157. Submission of this completed form is required for all male applicants between 16-45 years of age. It is also required for all applicants age 16 and over, irrespective of gender, from North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan and Iran. Select Special Processing Procedures to learn more.
   NOTE: In addition, these applicants must provide detailed information about their background and plans. Please click here for details.
7. All exchange visitor visa applicants and their dependents must complete the Contact Information and Work History Form DS-158.
8. A receipt from Laiki Bank showing proof of payment of the required visa application fee. Click here for payment instructions.

All applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended.
• Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.
• Financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor own a business, please bring business registration, licenses, tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements.

We will also expect all applicants to be prepared to demonstrate the means, intent, and ability to succeed as a student in the U.S. and strong social, economic or other ties to a residence outside of the United States that they do not intend to abandon. The Immigration and Nationality Act applies to all Nonimmigrant applicants, including those who apply to study or participate in U.S. exchange programs.

Spouses and Children

Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal exchange visitor (J) visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay need to apply for a J-2 visa. The application procedure is the same as that for a primary visa applicant. The spouse and/or children must present their own Form DS-2019. This form is used to obtain the required visa and the spouse and dependents can enter the U.S. at the same time as the principal exchange visitor or at a later date.

Family Members Following to Join the Exchange Visitor

The spouse and children can also apply for visas after the principal applicant has already traveled. In general, they must present the following:

• Form DS 2019, SEVIS generated, and approved by the sponsor.
• Proof that the principal applicant (the person who received the DS-2019 ) is maintaining his/her J visa status.
• Copy of the J-1's (principal applicant's) visa.
• Proof of relationship to the principal applicant.
• Proof of sufficient money to cover all expenses in the United States.

Spouses and children of exchange visitors may not enter the United States before the principal visitor enters for the first time.

To avoid delays in visa processing, application information on the DS-2019 such as last name, first name, date of birth, place of birth and nationality should match the information in your passport.

THANK YOU for having read all of the above guidance.