J-1 Application Procedure

  1. Find a designated sponsor and contact them.
    The designated sponsors supervise the application process and are the main point of contact throughout the exchange program process. 
  2. Get Form DS-2019 from the designated sponsor.
    Form DS-2019 , “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status” is a Department of State controlled document that can only be produced through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).The sponsor must approve the accompaniment of the spouse and/or children who will each be issued their own Form DS-2019
    Note:The Training/Internship Placement Plan (Form DS-7002) is the most important part of the application and must be signed by the Supervisor, Intern/Trainee and the GACC prior to the issuance of the DS-2019.
  3. Pay SEVIS Fee.
  4. Schedule the interview.
  5. Prepare materials.(Please see required documents)
  6. Attend visa interview. Get adequate J1 visa health insurance that meets the minimum requirements specified by the U.S. Department of State.