Obtaining a Visa

In order to enter the United States to study, you will need a student visa.

To obtain the necessary visa, you must pay the $180.00 SEVIS fee and submit a valid DS-2019 for a J-1 visa to the US embassy or consulate in your country of permanent residency.

You will also need to present a valid passport, evidence of financial support and any other documents required by the embassy or consulate to which you are applying. For specifics, consult the government pamphlet provided in your mailing or the US Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Visa Dates: Your DS-2019 will be issued for the orientation date through the final day of exams of your academic term. If you have indicated that you will be applying for academic training after the completion of your program, your DS-2019 will be issued for the maximum time period allowed for your academic program plus your academic training time.

If you do not enter the internship, your stay will be shortened in the SEVIS system to the academic term end date. Your visa will be issued by the embassy for the dates on the DS-2019. Consult the US Department of State’s complete list of J-1 visa regulations or forward your questions to Katie Gilbertson, director of International Student Services.

J-1 visa regulations allow you to enter the US 30 days prior to your visa start date and leave up to 30 days after its end date. This allows you to travel and do some sight-seeing before you start your academic program. You should plan to arrive at JWU five to seven days before your program start date to attend orientation, move into your residence hall, pay any outstanding fees, buy books, etc. After sending in your travel plans, we will confirm your pick-up.