What Am I Agreeing To When I Sign The Front Of My DS-2019?
When you sign 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. Be sure to read the back of the form carefully and let us know if you have questions. Page 2 is where you will find the details you are agreeing to with your signature. On this page, you will find information regarding the two-year home country physical presence requirement (212(e)), benefits of the J-1 program, health insurance requirement for you and your dependents, and more.
How Do I Pay The SEVIS Fee?
Once you have the DS-2019 for your J-1 program in your possession, you can pay the required SEVIS fee on Form I-901. All J-1 Exchange Visitors must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee. J-2 dependents are not required to pay this fee. Visit the I-901 website to pay the fee and obtain more information. Print a copy of your SEVIS I-901 Receipt before logging off this 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. However, 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, please read the “Know Your Rights” pamphlet published by the U.S. Department of State. The pamphlet can be found here, and 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?
With the exception of citizens of Bermuda whose stay in the U.S. will be less than 180 days, and citizens of Canada, all potential exchange visitors must obtain a J-1 visa, and any dependents must obtain their own J-2 visas, through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You will need to complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, and pay a visa processing fee. As specific requirements and procedures vary from consulate to consulate, you should inquire for any special needs at the location where you will be applying for a visa. A listing of all U.S. consulates, along with links to their web pages, is available here. Please also review the U.S. Department of State website for more information on the J visa application process.
Please be aware that Iowa State University cannot guarantee visa issuance, and cannot influence a U.S. Consular Officer if a visa is denied. Should you be denied a visa, 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. However, the International Students and Scholars Office can review your notice to determine any options you might have.
When Can I Arrive In The U.S. To Begin My Program?
J scholars may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the “From” date shown in the “Form Covers Period” Block 3 on the DS-2019. If you cannot arrive in the U.S. on or before the “From” date, please send an e-mail to the International Students and Scholars Office (issoscholar@iastate.edu) and your ISU host department with your new estimated arrival date. With the permission of your host department we can electronically amend your “From” date if you request this change in advance of that date.
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. Please note that the phrase “offices closed” indicates the dates the university will be closed. 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.