J-1 Visa Interview: Where to Apply and What to Bring
Table of Contents
How Does the J-1 Visa Interview Work?
The appointment at a US embassy or consulate where you apply for your J-1 Visa with your DS-2019.
Key Takeaways
- You apply in your country of residence.
- Bring your DS-2019, passport, DS-160 and fee receipt.
- How long you wait varies widely by country.
Where You Apply
Once you have your DS-2019 from the sponsor, you apply at the nearest US embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Your spouse and children can apply for J-2 visas at the same time, see J-2 Visa.
Source: J-1 Visa: Common Questions (US Department of State)
Booking the Appointment
How to make the interview appointment and pay the visa application fee is explained on the website of the US embassy or consulate where you apply. You will also find any additional supporting documents required on that website. For the fees, see J-1 Costs.
Source: J-1 Visa: Common Questions for Participants
What You Bring
The full list is in Documents. If the consular officer asks, you also show your signed DS-7002.
Source: J-1 Visa: Common Questions for Participants · 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
How Long It Takes
Interview wait and processing times vary from country to country and depend on your situation. Look them up early on your embassy or consulate website and submit your application as soon as possible.
Even with the visa in hand, you may not enter the US more than 30 days before the program start date on your DS-2019.
Source: J-1 Visa: Common Questions for Participants
FAQs
Where do I apply if I live outside my home country?
At the nearest US embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Source: J-1 Visa: Common Questions (US Department of State)
Can my family apply at the same time?
Yes. Your spouse and children can apply for J-2 visas when you apply.
Source: J-1 Visa: Common Questions (US Department of State)
Does my sponsor tell me what I need for the interview?
Yes. Before you arrive, sponsors must give you clear information on paying the SEVIS fee and getting your visa, including the information and documents you need for the interview.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.10: Program administration
Can I use my J-1 Visa again for a new program?
No. Your J-1 Visa only applies to your current program and your current sponsor. For a second program with a different sponsor, you apply for a new J-1 Visa, see Second Internship.
Source: J-1 Visa: Common Questions for Participants
The Bottom Line
With your DS-2019 in hand, you apply at the US embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Bring the documents on the list and check wait times early.
Related Terms
- DocumentsWhat you, your host company and your sponsor need for a J-1 internship or traineeship.more
- DS-2019The Certificate of Eligibility your J-1 sponsor issues. You need it to apply for your visa.more
- SEVIS FeeThe I-901 fee for the US exchange visitor database. For J-1 applicants it is $220.more
- J-1 TimelineThe order of steps from your eligibility check to your arrival in the US, and what decides how long it takes.more
- J-2 VisaThe visa for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a J-1 participant who come along or join later.more
- Grace PeriodThe 30 days after your J-1 program ends to prepare your departure from the US.more
Sources
- J-1 Visa: Common Questions (US Department of State)
- J-1 Visa: Common Questions for Participants
- 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
- 22 CFR § 62.10: Program administration