J-1 Pre-Arrival Information
Coming to the United States requires some preparation, but it does not need to be difficult. While your host department will help you coordinate health insurance, housing, and transportation, Rutgers Global will assist with the immigration process. For general information, please refer to Rutgers Global – ISSS’s J-1 Scholar Pre-arrival Information Guide.
J-1 Pre-Arrival Immigration Steps
-
After your J-1 request has been submitted in Sunapsis by your host department and approved by Rutgers Global – ISSS, you will receive your Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor Status) via email. This email will also include further instructions and information regarding visa appointment and fees.
-
Once you receive your Form DS-2019, you will need to apply for a visa at a U.S. consular post outside of the U.S. (Canadian citizens are visa exempt.)
Please note that all J-1 Exchange Visitors must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before scheduling a visa appointment. (While Canadian citizens are visa exempt, they must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.)
To schedule a visa application appointment, visit the applicable consular post website here. You can check consular wait times here.
For a list of required documents, please refer to the consular webpage and the instructions you receive after scheduling your appointment. You must show proof of intent to return home, such as evidence of home ownership or employment.
-
There are two possible outcomes for U.S. visa applications. The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa.
Some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. Many consular websites report that administrative processing is usually resolved within 90 days. However, it can sometimes take 6 months or longer for administrative processing to clear. Neither Rutgers nor members of Congress can expedite administrative processing.
Once the visa is approved, you will receive your passport with the affixed visa document from the U.S. consulate or embassy in the mail. Please note that times can vary.
-
When entering the U.S., you must carry your J-1 visa (unless visa exempt); signed Form DS-2019, I-901 SEVIS fee receipt; and your passport (which must be valid for at least 6 months into the future).
You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your approved program start date. Please arrive before your program start date to ensure you can start your program seamlessly.
-
After arrival in the U.S., you must check in before you can begin your program activities. Immediately upon arrival, please email Rutgers Global – ISSS at isss-facultyscholars@global.rutgers.edu.
Rutgers Global – ISSS will then forward you instructions on how to complete the check-in process online.
-
As a J-1 Exchange Visitor, you must attend J-1 Welcome Orientation. You can sign up for J-1 Welcome Orientation during the online check-in process.
If your appointment letter indicates that you are eligible for Employee Benefits, please contact your Department Administrator to be scheduled for UHR New Employee Benefits Orientation.