Visa Procedure (J-1)

Steps for Getting an J-1 Visa 

It is important to read through the information to obtain your visa through the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. Here are some important steps to help you with the visa process.  

1. Once you have obtained your DS-2019 from the Office of International Programs, you will need to pay for the DS-2019 by paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee. This fee is mandatory and must be paid before you enter the U.S. and or visa interview. We highly recommend the second and have the receipt available during your visa interview. Go to U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement to pay online. (Certain countries require this payment to be made in-person).

2. Find the nearest US Embassy or Consulate; Although most U.S. Embassy and Consulate visa requirements are universal, there may be some variations, so find out EXACTLY what the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your country requires by visiting its web page, telephoning, or even visiting before you schedule the interview; make sure to download and fill out the following visa forms. Check with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your country to find out if there are any additional forms. 

3. Detailed information on how to apply for your student visa is through the U.S. Department of State. 

Important Tips to Remember 

• HAVE EXTRA PHOTOCOPIES: You may need to give extra sets of documents, so take extra completed copies of all the documents you are submitting. 

• TRANSLATIONS: If anything is in your native language, you should have it translated into English and notarized by a government official in your country. Otherwise, they may not be accepted. 

• MOST IMPORTANTLY: All visa applications, bank forms, government issued documents, passport information, and other document and forms should have no mistakes. Review that all your documents have the correct and same spelling of your last name, first name and middle name; birth dates, school dates, and any other dates should be written in the same format (month/day/year). Many visas are denied when there is a different date or different spelling name on another documents. 

• Make sure that the DS-2019 is signed by both NEIU Designated School Official (DSO) and by you.  

• Have the I-901 SEVIS Fee receipt.

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your expected date of departure from the U.S. 

• If you have dependents, make sure you bring copies of your dependent's passport, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and financial documentation to support them. 

How to Prepare for the Visa Interview:  

• Be prepared to speak in English. Be confident in your answers, and be honest. 

• Be prepared to demonstrate all ties to your home country/reasons why you plan on going home. Some examples of this could include ties to your family remaining in your home country or pre-existing businesses in your home country. 

  Be Advised: 

  You most likely will not be told at the end of your interview if you got the visa or not. They will most likely tell you that they need to review your social media and online presence, and that they will get back to you. They may even give you a piece of paper telling you that your visa has been denied, but may be given to you anyways in a few weeks. This happens a lot, it is not a big deal.