Skip to main content
Search for:
Menu
Home
About Us
ISFS Staff
Forms
J-1 Scholar Forms
J-1 Student Intern Forms
H-1B Forms
TN Forms
O-1 Forms
E-3 Forms
Permanent Residence Forms
Resources
Texas A&M University
Federal Agencies
Bryan/College Station
Other
Contact Us
Main Buttons
Visitors
B-1
Prospective J-1 Exchange Visitors
New J-1 Exchange Visitors
Current J-1 Exchange Visitors
Travel Information
End of Program
Employees
H-1B Specialty Occupation Workers
Extending your H-1B status
Amending your H-1B status
TN status
E-3 status
Travel Information
Permanent Residence
End of Employment
Hosts
Inviting Business Visitors
Register B-1 Visitors
Hosting J-1 Exchange Visitors
Travel Information for your Visitors
End of Program
Employers
Hiring an F-1 with Optional Practical Training
Hiring H-1B Specialty Occupation Workers
Extending an H-1B Employee's Status
Amending an H-1B Employee's Status
Hiring a TN Employee
Hiring an O-1 Employee
Hiring an E-3 Australian Specialty Occupation Worker
Sponsoring Permanent Residence
Travel Information for your Employees
End of Employment
Main Buttons
Visitors
New J-1 Exchange Visitors
New J-1 Exchange Visitors
J-1 Visa Application Process
This information will be mailed to you along with your initial Form DS-2019. The process for applying for a non-immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad varies from country to country and based on individual circumstances. If administrative processing is necessary, the wait time for your visa to be processed could take up to 60 days or longer. For information about specific wait times to receive an interview and for your visa to be processed at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, visit the
Department of State’s website
.
Arrival in the U.S.
You are eligible to arrive in the U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to your program start date as indicated on your DS-2019 form. Upon entry in the U.S., be prepared to present your DS-2019, passport, proof of finances, and any other supporting documents to the Custom and Border Protection officer.
IMPORTANT: If you encounter travel delays and cannot arrive in the U.S. by your program start date, CONTACT OUR OFFICE so we take the necessary actions to keep your SEVIS record Active.
Mandatory Check-in and Orientation
Once you obtain your J-1 visa, you will be able to register online for your mandatory check-in with our office. You will receive an email approximately two weeks prior to your start date with the registration link and a list of available dates and times you can select from.
IMPORTANT: Note that you will not be able to start your research activities at Texas A&M until you check in with our office.
Resources
For resources on arriving to the U.S. and settling in the College Station area be sure to visit our
Resources
page.