New exchange visitors who are entering the U.S. for the first time on an J-1 visa can only enter the country 30 days prior to the start of the program.  For the Fall 2013 semester at SVA, students may enter the U.S. beginning August 4, 2013, and should arrive no later than the start of classes on September 3, 2013.  This 30-day rule does not apply to returning students who already have a valid J-1 visa.

A list of U.S. Consulates and Embassies is available at http://usembassy.state.gov/.

After you receive the DS-2019 from SVA, schedule an interview appointment at the U.S. Consulate/Embassy in your home country.  The J-1 student visa can be issued up to 120 days before the program start date, but please do not schedule an appointment until you receive the DS-2019.

Note for Canadian citizens:
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the U.S. However, Canadian citizens who are enrolled in the exchange program are required to be in J-1 status in order to legally study in the U.S. In order to obtain J-1 status, you must show your Form DS-2019, supporting financial documentation, I-94 card, and proof of SEVIS fee payment to the immigration inspector at the port of entry when you enter the U.S.

Fill out the DS-160 Online Application Form.

Follow the instructions on your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate's website to pay the $160 visa application fee.

You will need to pay the $180 SEVIS fee if you are applying for a J-1 exchange visitor visa for the first time.

You do not need to pay the $180 SEVIS fee if you are transferring your DS-2019 sponsorship from another SEVIS approved institution in the U.S, applying for a J-2 dependent visa, or have paid this fee and been denied a visa within the last twelve months.

To Pay Online: 
Note: It is strongly recommended that you pay your SEVIS fee online and not by mail.

Access the Form I-901 online at: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/

Enter SVA's Program Number: P-I-05629. Your SEVIS ID Number starts with an N and is listed on the top right of your DS-2019.

Complete the form online and supply the credit card information. You may use credit cards that were issued in the U.S. or in your country. Be sure to write your name exactly how it appears on your DS-2019 form.

Print a copy of the online receipt.

To pay by Western Union Quick Pay Service:
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/wu_instr.htm

You must bring the receipt of the SEVIS fee payment to the interview.

Passport valid for at least six months

Certificate of Eligibility, Form DS-2019 (You must sign the bottom of page 1)

SVA's original letter of admission

Completed visa application forms (DS-160 online)

Two 2" x 2" photographs in the specified format
(See the travel.state.gov website)

A receipt of the visa application fee payment

A receipt for the SEVIS fee payment

If you have not received an official receipt in the mail showing payment and you paid the SEVIS fee electronically, the consulate will accept the temporary receipt you printed from your computer. If you do not have a receipt, the consulate may be able to see your payment electronically if your fee payment was processed at least three (3) business days before your interview.

Financial evidence that shows you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period you intend to study. You must bring the original and sufficient letter/statement from you or your sponsor's bank.

Any information to prove that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the U.S. This may include proof that your family remains in your home country, or that you have a job to return to or other ties to your community.

The visa stamp will be affixed to your passport after a short interview.

If your visa is delayed or denied
If you visa application is denied, please contact the International Student Office immediately and submit a copy of the denial letter.  The most common reasons for visa denial are failure to prove sufficient ties to your home country or the lack of sufficient proof of financial support.

Please remember to carry your DS-2019 form with a valid passport and J-1 visa when entering the U.S.