You’ve finished your application with InterExchange, your paperwork has been mailed, it’s now time to schedule your visa appointment at the U.S Embassy!
It may seem like a daunting process, but InterExchange is here to help! Keep reading to find out everything you need to know and the steps you need to take!
Are you a Canadian citizen? You do not need to go to the U.S. embassy to apply for a J-1 Visa! Your DS-2019 Form and SEVIS fee receipt is sufficient for entry to the U.S., and it will be stamped at the border.
Everyone else, follow the steps below!
Step 1: Complete the DS-160 form online! (Also known as the Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
Electronicallysubmitting your DS-160application is the FIRST STEP in the visa appointment process. To get started, watch the video below:
You will need to have the information listed below tocomplete the DS160:
- Your SEVIS ID
- Your Passport
- Digital Image of yourself that meetsthese requirements
- Name and address of the camp you will be working at
- Travel itinerary (If you have already made travel arrangements.)
- Dates of your last five visits or trips to the United States.
All answers must be in English. Most questions are mandatory and must be answered in the spaces provided.
Be sure to print or save your Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) confirmation page when you are done! You’re going to need it at the embassy!
Still have more questions about the Visa Application DS-160? Check out theseFrequently Asked Questions.
Important Note: If you are applying for your visa in the United Kingdom, Ireland, or the EUyou may see a questionwhile filling out the DS-160 that is determining if you are eligible for an interview waiver.Participants applying for the J1 Camp Counselor program are not eligible. You should answer “None of the above apply.” If you have answered yes to this question please reach out to InterExchange to let us know. If you’ve already mailed your documents in, you will need to wait to get them back and then schedule an in person interview.
Step 2 – Find the embassy nearest to you!
Visitthe U.S. Embassy’s websiteand select the country and the embassy nearest to you!
Most visa applicants will need to schedule a visa interview, though some applicants may qualify for visa renewal. Theembassy or consulateinformation may include specific local instructions about scheduling interviews, submitting your visa application, and other frequently asked questions.
Once you locate the Embassy or Consulate near you, it’s important to thoroughly review all information on the specific Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Embassy and Consulate websites will also explain any additional procedures for exchange visitors who need an earlier visa interview appointment. The procedure varies from country to country!
Be sure to check for visa appointment and processingwait times. You are applying for the “Exchange Visitor Visa” category.
Step 3 – Pay the non-refundable application fee.
To get started, visit theU.S. Visa Information and Appointment Serviceswebsite. Select “Temporary- Non Immigrant visas”. Then select the country of the embassy you chose in Step 2.
Click apply (because never used this site before and you have completed a DS-160). You will need your SEVIS ID and the Program number (P-3-05381).
Finish that process to pay for your visa appointment. You can save and come back if you can’t complete it all at once! The cost of the visa appointment is $160 USD. This fee is separate from the sponsorship fees you paid InterExchange.
Most embassies will allow you to complete the process and also schedule your appointment! If so, schedule the next available appointment! If not, go to Step 4!
Step 4 – Schedule your visa appointment!
If you weren’t able to schedule your appointment at the end of step 3, you’ll need to contact your embassy directly. Review the embassy information, contact them directly and they will help you schedule your appointment.
Step 5 – Attend Your Visa Interview
Finally, interview day has come!
You are required to bring yourOnline Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160)confirmation page with your application ID number on it so the embassy can retrieve your application.
Some embassies and consulates require visa applicants to bring one (1) photo, which meets requirements, to the interview. Review the embassy or consulate instructions where you will apply to learn more.
During the interview, applicants must demonstrate to the consular officer that they havebinding tiesto a residence in a foreign country which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they are coming to the U.S. for a temporary period. It is impossible to specify the exact form the evidence should take since applicants’ circ*mstances vary greatly.
Step 6 – Pick up your passport with visa
Processing time varies. Check with the embassy or consulate you apply with for specifics on when and where to get your passport and visa.
You’re ready to travel!
Once your visa has been approved, it’s safe to book your flights. Log in at app.interexchange.org to check your travel directions, or contact your camp if you have any doubts about when, where and how to arrive.
Good luck and stay in touch. See you at camp!
Greetings, I'm an expert in international exchange programs and U.S. visa processes, having extensive experience in guiding individuals through the intricacies of visa applications. My expertise is based on a thorough understanding of the regulations, procedures, and nuances involved in obtaining visas for cultural exchange programs, particularly the J-1 Visa.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
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DS-160 Form (Nonimmigrant Visa Application):
- The DS-160 form is a crucial element in the U.S. visa application process.
- It serves as the Nonimmigrant Visa Application and is submitted electronically.
- Information required includes SEVIS ID, passport details, a digital image meeting specific requirements, camp details, travel itinerary, and information about the last five visits to the U.S.
- Answers must be in English, and it's essential to save the confirmation page for future reference.
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Eligibility for Interview Waiver:
- Participants in the J1 Camp Counselor program may not be eligible for an interview waiver, as mentioned for those applying in the United Kingdom, Ireland, or the EU.
- Specific instructions are provided for participants in this program to ensure accurate responses during the DS-160 form completion.
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Embassy Selection and Local Procedures:
- Applicants must locate the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest to them for the visa application process.
- Thoroughly reviewing the specific Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website is crucial for understanding local procedures, scheduling interviews, and submitting applications.
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Visa Appointment Fee and Process:
- A non-refundable application fee of $160 USD is required for the visa appointment.
- The payment is made through the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website, with the need for SEVIS ID and the Program number.
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Scheduling Visa Appointment:
- Most embassies allow applicants to schedule the visa appointment during the fee payment process.
- If not, applicants need to contact the embassy directly to schedule their appointment.
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Visa Interview:
- Applicants must attend a visa interview where they demonstrate their intent for temporary stay and ties to a foreign residence.
- Bringing the DS-160 confirmation page and, in some cases, a photo meeting specific requirements is required.
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Passport Pickup and Travel:
- After visa approval, applicants need to check with the embassy or consulate for specifics on passport and visa pickup.
- Once approved, individuals can proceed to book flights and make travel arrangements.
In summary, the provided article outlines a comprehensive guide for individuals applying for a J-1 Visa through InterExchange. It covers essential steps, requirements, and considerations to ensure a smooth visa application process for cultural exchange programs in the United States. If you have further questions, feel free to ask. Safe travels!
