What Am I Agreeing to When I Sign the Front of My DS-2019?

When signing the front of the DS-2019, you verify that you have read and agree to all the conditions listed on page 2 of the DS-2019. Let us know if you have questions about the following information on page 2: 

  • two-year home country physical presence requirement (212(e))
  • benefits of the J-1 program
  • health insurance requirement for you and your dependents

How Do I Pay the SEVIS Fee?

Once you have received the DS-2019 for your J-1 program, you should pay the required SEVIS fee. All J-1 Exchange Visitors must pay this fee, but J-2 dependents are not required to pay it. 

  • Visit the I-901 website to pay the SEVIS fee and obtain more information. Be sure to print a copy of your SEVIS I-901 Receipt before logging off that site. 
  • If you require a J-1 visa, you must pay the SEVIS Fee before you appear for your J-1 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 
  • You may schedule your visa appointment before you pay the SEVIS Fee, but the fee must be paid early enough so you can take your payment receipt to the visa interview. 
  • No J-1 visa will be issued without a SEVIS fee payment receipt.

Before attending your visa appointment, read the “Know Your Rights” pamphlet from the U.S. Department of State. It will inform you of your rights when you come to work and/or conduct research in the U.S.

How Do I Schedule and Attend a J-1 Visa Interview?

All potential exchange visitors must obtain a J-1 visa, and any dependents must obtain their own J-2 visas, at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate except for:

  • citizens of Bermuda whose stay in the U.S. will be less than 180 days
  • citizens of Canada

For exchange visitors needing a J-1 visa:

  • Review the U.S. Department of State website for information on the J visa application process.
  • Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160
  • Pay the visa processing fee. 
  • Check with the consulate you will be using to find out if they have any specific requirements and procedures, as these vary from consulate to consulate.
  • See this listing of all U.S. consulates, along with links to their web pages

Please be aware that Iowa State University cannot guarantee visa issuance and cannot influence a U.S. Consular Officer if a visa is denied. 

  • If your visa is denied, please review this information regarding visa denials. 
  • You should receive a written notice of the denial to keep with your records. 
  • There is no appeal process for visa denials, but the ISSO can review your notice to determine any options you might still have, so please contact us at issoscholar@iastate.edu.

When Can I Arrive In The U.S. To Begin My Program?

J-1 scholars may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date on the DS-2019, but not after that date. 

If you cannot enter the US in time, send an e-mail to the ISSO Scholar Unit (issoscholar@iastate.edu) with your new estimated arrival date so we can amend your DS-2019, with your ISU supervisor’s approval.

When Determining Travel Dates, Are There Holidays I Should Consider?

As you plan your arrival in Ames, please take into consideration Iowa State University closures for U.S. holidays. Visit the ISU Academic Calendar to review ISU closures. 

Additionally, it is best not to arrive between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day as many university offices are closed during the last week of December and many key department members are away. 

We want to be sure you arrive at a time when your faculty host and departmental staff are available.