UNITED STATES J-1 (EXCHANGE VISITOR) VISA INFORMATION



Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program (IFP)

Institute of International Education

PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION FOR

UNITED STATES-BOUND FELLOWS

Under IIE J-1 Visa Sponsorship

Applying for your J-1 Visa

June 2005

UNITED STATES J-1 (EXCHANGE VISITOR) VISA

INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

As the recipient of a Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program (Ford IFP) Fellowship after having been placed at a US university by IIE, you are required to apply for a J-1 (Exchange Visitor) visa under the sponsorship of the Institute of International Education in New York (IIE-NY). We are providing the DS-2019 form needed to obtain this visa. Under no circumstances should you apply for an F-1 (student), a B, or other type of visa. If you currently hold another type of US visa, you nevertheless must both apply for and enter the United States with a J-1 visa.

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)

IIE-NY, on behalf of Ford IFP, is responsible for sharing information about you with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through a national web-based system called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS maintains accurate and current information on international students and scholars and their dependents in the United States. In order to remain in good standing with DHS you are responsible for complying with federal regulations regarding SEVIS.

After you have reviewed your SEVIS-generated DS-2019 form for accuracy and have read through the instructions on page 2 of the form, please sign the bottom of the form.

You should obtain your J-1 visa as early as you can. After the events of September 11, 2001, applicants for exchange visitor visas are facing greater scrutiny and visas may take longer to process. Therefore, you should apply for your J-1 visa as soon as possible after you receive your DS-2019 form. Also, men between the ages of 16 to 45 will be given an additional form to complete when they apply for their visa. Along with your passport and DS-2019 form, you may also be asked to present to the US Embassy or Consulate information about your medical history (i.e., x-ray photograph of your chest, certification of good health, and proof of vaccination against small-pox or measles within the last three years).

Recently the US State Department announced that 90% of applicants for all types of visas will be interviewed. For the latest information on this and other consular requirements, you are advised to inquire with and/or visit the web site of your local US Consulate or Embassy.

When you contact the US Consulate or Embassy to schedule an appointment, it would be wise to confirm your SEVIS information is accessible to consular officials before you appear at the Consulate or Embassy. If the US consular official is unable to access your information on their database, please contact Tammy Langan at IIE-NY via e-mail at tlangan@.

If you are unable to arrive on or before the start date indicated on your DS-2019 form, it is imperative that you notify your IFP Contact Person in your home country or region about the delay. US State Department regulations regarding the J-1 visa and SEVIS may require IIE-NY to reissue the DS-2019 in certain cases. If a revised DS-2019 must be issued, the original unused DS-2019 must be promptly returned to IIE-NY via your IFP Contact Person.

If for any reason you are unable to travel to the US and do not begin your program as scheduled, you MUST return your grant agreement and unused DS-2019 form to IIE-NY via your IFP Contact Person.

The date of entry into the United States will be shown both on your DS-2019 form and on the Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94), which is usually handed to you while en route to the United States by airline personnel. They will be completed by the Immigration Officer at your port of entry and then stapled into your passport. IIE-NY will assist you with the requirements of your visa status while you are in the US. Examples of the DS-2019 and the I-94 are shown on the following pages.

TWO-YEAR HOME RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT – Section 212 (e)

Under US law, many foreign grantees, upon completion of their authorized J-1 exchange visitor activities, are required to reside in their home country for two years before they may apply for non-immigrant visas (H and L) as temporary workers, or for permanent residence in the United States as immigrants. Unless otherwise precluded from doing so, the Ford IFP expects grantees to return to their home countries when their academic exchange activities in the United States are concluded. For additional information, see “J-1 Visa Validity Periods and Section 212(e)” on p. 6.

❑ PLEASE NOTE: Marriage to a US citizen or birth of a child in the US does not relieve you of the two-year home residency requirement.

The DS-2019 Form

[pic]

The DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) is required to apply for the J-1 visa (covered on p. 5), to enter the United States at your port of entry, and to attest to your legal stay in the US as a graduate student sponsored by IIE.

Dates Covered on the DS-2019

The DS-2019 will serve as the primary document proving the legitimacy of your non-immigrant exchange visitor status. It is very important that you understand the purpose and contents of the form.

You will notice that the start and end dates on your grant do not necessarily correspond to those indicated on your DS-2019. Due to US immigration regulations governing the J-1 exchange visitor program, you are authorized to be in the US as an exchange visitor (student category) according to the start date and the end date of your academic program. Moreover, you are permitted to enter the United States up to 30 days before your program start date, and may remain in the US for no more than 30 days after your program has completed.

However, IFP Policy does not permit you to travel more than two weeks before the start date of your academic program. This is because your grant agreement includes insurance that covers you while you are traveling internationally as a Fellow in this program, beginning on your grant start date. If you travel earlier than your grant start date, you will not have access to this benefit until the date it becomes effective. Similarly, if your grant ends within the 30 days your program ends, your benefits are only valid through the grant end date, even if US law allows you to remain in the country. Moreover, if you are not a doctoral candidate and remain in the US during your end grace period, you are required to provide proof of health insurance coverage through your date of repatriation. Doctoral candidates who must complete their programs both beyond the end date of their IFP Fellowships and with alternate sources of funding will have their J-1 sponsorship transferred to their host university.

Intent to Return

It is important for you to establish in the presence of a US consular official that you intend to return to your home country after completion of your studies. As a matter of procedure, consular officials assume that you are attempting to immigrate to the US, even if you are presenting yourself as an exchange visitor with requisite documentation. This may complicate and, in some instances, prevent you from obtaining the visa to travel to the US for study.

You should know, however, that the overwhelming majority of US-bound IFP Fellows have been successful in obtaining their visas. Having said that, it is nevertheless wise to be prepared for questions centered on immigration, particularly in light of ongoing heightened security concerns at US embassies and consular posts.

The J-1 (Exchange Visitor) Visa

Once you have your DS-2019 form, complete a J-1 Visa application. You can obtain this application from the US Embassy. You can also view, print and even download an application at the following website (Acrobat Reader required):

travel.visa_services.html#apps

In order to receive your J-1 Visa, you have prepare the following forms in anticipation of your appointment:

• Passport valid for entire grant period

• DS-2019 form

• Proof of your Ford IFP Fellowship (i.e., your grant agreement)

• Original US university acceptance letter

• Your completed J-1 Visa application

• Extra passport size photographs

Present these documents to the nearest US Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The visa issuing officer will review your application and supporting documents. If everything is in order, you will receive a J-1 visa (exhibited below) which is stamped in your passport. If you have dependents, a J-2 visa will be inserted into each dependent’s passport. For guidelines on J-2 dependent visa requirements, please speak to your IFP contact person.

J-1 Visa Validity Periods and Section 212(e)

It is important for you to understand that while your DS-2019 validity period closely corresponds to the start and end dates of your IFP Grant Agreement, the validity period of the J-1 visa stamped in your passport is determined by bilateral agreements between the United States and your home country. In addition, the number of authorized entries into the United States is determined by such bilateral agreements. These are critically important regulations to consider when planning to travel from and return to the United States during the course of your IFP Fellowship.

What Does the Visa Expiration Date Mean?

The visa expiration date is shown on the visa. Depending on your nationality, visas can be issued for any number of entries, from as little as one entry to as many as multiple (unlimited) entries, for the same purpose of travel. Each time you arrive at the port-of-entry, a U.S immigration officer decides whether to allow you to enter and how long you can stay. Only the U.S. immigration officer has the authority to permit you to enter the United States.

• The time period from the visa issuance date to visa expiration date as shown on the visa, is called visa validity. If you travel outside the United States with a multiple entry visa, you do not have to apply for a new U.S. visa each time you want to travel to the U.S.

• The Expiration Date for the visa should not be confused with the authorized length of your stay in the U.S., given to you by the U.S. immigration inspector at port-of-entry, on the Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94, or I-94W for the Visa Waiver Program. The visa expiration date has nothing to do with the authorized length of your stay in the U.S. for any given visit.

If you leave the United States after the J-1 visa stamped in your passport expires, you must apply for and obtain another J-1 visa in your home country in order to return and complete your program. Provided you do not travel outside the US during your grant period (i.e., on your DS-2019), the validity of your J-1 visa does not affect your ability to remain in the United States with a valid DS-2019.

The annotations on the J-1 visa in your passport will indicate if you are subject to Section 212(e). If you are, you must meet the two-year home residency requirement described on p.2. If you are not subject to 212(e), you are not bound by the two-year home residency requirement based on your field of study as agreed to by your home country government and the United States Department of State.

Preparing for Departure to the United States

Be sure to communicate with the university contacts in your grant document to make arrangements for your arrival and housing. In addition, it is highly recommended that you contact IFP Fellows who are already at your university or in your area. You can get their names from your IFP contact person. These fellows can often help with tips on housing, transportation, and other settling-in issues.

Documents to Carry With You to the US …

➢ Valid Passport

➢ DS-2019

➢ Letters of admission and other information provided by your US university

➢ Original Copy of IFP Grant Agreement

➢ Official copies of diplomas, transcripts, and other official academic documents from previous institutions attended.

➢ Medical records, including immunization history from your doctor, dental records, prescriptions, eyeglass prescriptions, etc., for you and your accompanying dependents (if applicable). Most US universities will require that you show documentation of adequate measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunity. Many will also require that you show proof of tuberculosis (TB) screening or will ask you to participate in a TB screening on the US campus.

➢ Marriage certificate and birth certificates for children (if applicable)

➢ International student ID, ITIC, or ISIC card—can be used for discounts to museums, trains, buses and other tourist-related activities

➢ International driver’s license (if you have one)

➢ Banking information (enclosed w/IFP Grant Agreement)

➢ Billing Authorization Letter (enclosed w/IFP Grant Agreement)

➢ US currency, traveler’s checks, etc.

➢ Your health insurance card and a copy of your terms of coverage (enclosed w/IFP Grant Agreement)

➢ Important phone numbers and other points of contact for people at home and in the US

➢ Extra passport-sized photos

➢ Computer diskettes of important document files or scanned images of the above for use as back up copies.

On the importance of documents …

➢ Always pack important and original documents and items in your carry on bag—not in your regular suitcase, as luggage can be lost or routed incorrectly on airlines. Also, you will need to show your passport and DS-2019 form to US immigration when you arrive in the US. You may also need to show your US university letter of admission, IFP Grant Agreement and dependent financial documentation. So keep these documents with you!

➢ You should also make copies of your passport, DS-2019 form, medical records and other important documents and leave the copies with a family member or trusted friend in your home country. Should you lose any of these important papers, this will enable you to have access to the copies.

What to Pack …

Climates vary greatly in the US. While some cities have cold winters and hot summers (e.g., Chicago and New York), other cities have consistent weather throughout the seasons (e.g., Miami and San Diego). Check with your US University or weather services on the Web for further information.

As a general rule, pack lightly ! Even if you are in the US for a year or longer, you’ll be better off packing light and then purchasing things you need once here. Space will be limited in rooms and planes. You may find that many of the items that you may need can be bought easily in the US. Also, contact your airline(s) to confirm the baggage limits on your flight. You will pay for excess baggage weight and will not be reimbursed by Ford IFP.

Arrival into the United States

The I-94 Form

Toward the end of your flight, you will receive a two part I-94 Form and a Customs Declaration Form. On the I-94, fill out the Arrival Record and Departure Record according to your itinerary. Use your DESTINATION INFORMATION CARD as a reference. Enter your information in ENGLISH in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. See Figure I- 94 below.

[pic]

After it is inspected at the airport, the I-94 will be stapled into your passport and should be kept there. Please be sure the INS official annotates your I-94 to reflect “J-1” and “D/S” (duration of status).

The Customs Declaration Form

Simply follow the directions on the form and again, write clearly in ENGLISH and in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Most questions will be in a “yes” or “no” format. If “Student” or “other” is not an option under the “reason for travel”, be sure to mark “business” rather than “tourism”.

If there are any questions you have during this process, ask a flight attendant for assistance.

Arriving at your Host University

Ground Transportation from the Airport

It is highly recommended that you check with your international student advisor ahead of time to inquire about ground transportation options for your destination. While some universities have services to meet you and bring you to campus, very often you will need to get yourself to the campus. Your settling-in allowance is meant to contribute toward ground transportation costs that you may incur.

Housing Arrangements

It is important for you to arrange for housing immediately. If you have not already received information on housing from your US University, you should visit your university web site for information on available on- and off-campus housing options. You may also contact the International Student Advisor and/or housing contact(s) listed on Attachment B of your grant agreement. If you have already received information, make sure that you complete and return all required housing forms as soon as possible.

If you plan to live on campus at your host university, a housing deposit may be required in advance in order to reserve your space. IIE-NY can submit this deposit on your behalf provided we receive an official document or invoice indicating the amount required. Please bear in mind that you are responsible for the balance and all subsequent housing payments. The deposit will be deducted from your first living allowance transfer. IIE-NY cannot remit deposits for off-campus private housing.

You must confirm with the host university that your housing will be available on your date of arrival. If for any reason it is not, you are responsible for securing temporary accommodations until it is ready. The international student office at your host university is the best source for advice in this regard.

It is YOUR responsibility to make and confirm all housing arrangements, whether on- or off-campus.

Arrival on Campus

You should report to the International Student Office at your US university as soon as possible after your arrival in the US. Most offices are open from Monday through Friday during the regular working hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check your university’s web site for further details specific to your arrival and the international student orientation schedule. When you get to the International Student Office, let the advisors know that you are a Ford IFP Fellow on IIE sponsorship. We will forward a Welcome Packet to your International Student Office/Foreign Student Advisor on your behalf. Make sure that you pick up your Welcome Packet as it will contain important information and documents that you will need to send to IIE-NY.

Within 10 days of your arrival, you must send to IIE your local US address and other contact information. US federal “J” visa regulations require that as your immigration sponsor, IIE-NY must receive within 10 days the address of the actual physical location where you are residing in the US. Upon your arrival, please contact:

Tammy Langan, Program Officer

Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program (IFP)

Institute of International Education (IIE)

809 United Nations Plaza, 8th Floor

New York NY 10017-3580

Tel 212.984.5318 Fax 212.984.5479 tlangan@

Bank Information Form

Once you have arrived on campus and have checked in with your international student advisor and your academic department, you need to open a bank account as soon as possible so that you may begin receiving your living allowance. You are encouraged to ask your international student advisor on bank choices, as their fee structures vary (e.g., domestic wire transfer fees, minimum balance requirements, monthly maintenance charges, etc.). When you have selected a bank for your account, bring your Bank Information Form with you. Present the form to the customer service representative and ask for assistance in completing it. Once you have done this, fax or e-mail the form to Danielle Marino at 212.984.5479 or dmarino@. Please be sure the information on the form is accurate, as your first transfer will be delayed if it is incomplete.

Billing Authorization Letter

Included in your grant agreement package is a letter from Danielle Marino to your student accounts office requesting that regular tuition and fees (excluding housing and room/board charges) be billed directly to the Institute of International Education for payment. Please show this letter to your international student advisor so that you submit this form to the correct university official (e.g., registrar, bursar, third party billing office, etc.). When you register for your classes, present the billing authorization letter to the university official. Please be sure to keep a copy of it for your records before it is submitted.

Health Insurance Waiver

Depending on which university you attend, you may or may not be required to purchase the university health plan. If you are required to have it in addition to your IEES insurance, IFP will pay the premiums directly to the university. In all cases, however, you must request a waiver of the university health insurance plan. You should find out how to do this when you first visit the international student office after your arrival. If you neglect to request the waiver and get charged for university health insurance, the cost will be your responsibility to cover.

Grantax

IIE-NY provides a tax-reporting service for your use while an IFP fellow. You will receive a questionnaire from the Grantax office at IIE asking for particulars of your financial situation, as well as a Power of Attorney form for you to sign and return. You must report your taxable income through Grantax as a Ford IFP Fellow.

IN ORDER FOR YOUR FIRST LIVING ALLOWANCE PAYMENT TO BE TRANSFERRED….

You must provide the following via fax, scanned documents, or hard copy:

• I-94 stamped by US Immigration

• Signed copy of DS-2019 form

• Bank Information Form

• Address Information Form

GOOD LUCK PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE … AND HAVE A SAFE TRIP!

Best wishes,

The IIE/IFP Team

Ms. Yolande Zahler, Director

Ms. Danielle Marino, Program Officer

Ms. Tammy Langan, Placement Officer

Ms. Megan Schreiber, Senior Program Administrator

Mr. John Brady, Program Administrator

Ms. Kristine Gansico, Program Associate

-----------------------

[pic]

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download