All J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to have a valid visa in their passport in order to enter the United States.* This page provides basic instructions on how to apply for a visa.
Please read the US Department of State web site on visa applications before you begin. You should also read the web site for the US embassy or consulate where you will apply for your visa for details on visa appointment times, locations and special instructions.
SEVIS Fee
The SEVIS fee must be paid before a visa can be issued. Payment of the fee should be made at least three (3) business days before submitting a visa application and the visa interview. (Canadian citizens must pay the fee at least three days before entering the U.S.) The fee cannot be paid at a U.S. consulate or at a U.S. port of entry.
Visa Application Steps
- Obtain your Certificate of Eligibility DS-2019 (J-1) from PSU.
- Pay the SEVIS fee.
- Make an appointment for a visa interview.
- Complete the visa application forms. Pay visa fees as directed.
- Go to your visa interview.
Visa Interview
When you go to your visa interview you must take the following items with you:
- Passport (valid at least six months into the future)
- Certificate of Eligibility DS-2019 (J)
- Proof of admission or PSU appointment letter
- Evidence of financial support
- Visa application forms and payment of fees.
- SEVIS fee receipt
Some consulates may require additional documentation, so check the consulate web site for visa application instructions. Keep in mind that you will need to convince the visa officer that you will return to a permanent residence in your home country after you complete your program in the U.S.
Visa Processing Times
Since visa appointments are limited and visa processing times can be lengthy, you should make your appointment as early as possible. (See Visa Appointment Wait Times.) Consulates will generally accept appointments up to 120 days prior to the start of your program. There may be long waiting periods for appointments, especially during May through August. However, consulates will give priority to J-1 exchange visitor applicants if requested.
Security Clearances
In some cases the consulate may require a security clearance on your visa application. Your visa may be approved, but cannot be issued until the security checked is cleared. It is common for the security clearance to take a two weeks to two months. If you are subject to a security clearance, please email jscholar@pdx.edu to notify us of a possible delay.
J-2 Dependents
If a spouse or children will join you in the U.S., you will need to apply for J-2 visas for your family members. J-2 applicants do not pay the SEVIS fee, but will need to pay visa fees. When going to the visa interview, you will need the passport, DS-2019 and proof of marriage or birth for each J-2 applicant.
Travel Plans
Because visa processing times can be lengthy and variable, we recommend that you do not purchase travel tickets until after you have received your visa. If you need to purchase tickets before obtaining your visa, purchase a ticket that will allow changes to your departure date.
Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens are not required to apply for a visa to enter the U.S. as an J-1, but must still pay the SEVIS Fee. However, if you have “Landed Immigrant” status in Canada, you must obtain a U.S. visa. When entering the U.S., Canadians must present all required documents (see Arriving in the U.S.)