J-1 Exchange Visitor

Applying for Your J-1 Exchange Visitor

1. Confirm/Sign your contract through HR or your department contact for your study/work at Bucknell.
2. We send you the DS-2019 document. 
   Once your deposit has been received and processed by Bucknell, International Student & Scholar Services will generate your DS-2019 document — required in order to apply for a J-1 visa. It will be mailed to you with other University materials preparing you for the start of classes. The J-1 lists the school you will be attending, the level and field of study, and the beginning and expected completion dates of study.
3. Update your passport (if needed). 
   Make sure that your passport is up-to-date and renew it if it will expire within the next six months.
4. Pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System SEVIS fee of $220. 
   This is a fee that all J-1 and F-1 visa applicants pay. Instructions for how to pay are included with your DS-2019. 
   Read more about the I-901 fee
5. Schedule your visa interview in your home country. 
   You are only allowed to apply at specific other sites if your home country does not have a US Embassy site. If you are unsure, contact us at iss@bucknell.edu with questions. Scheduling a visa appointment may take a long time in some areas, so make your appointment early. You can find information about U.S. embassies and consular sections on the U.S. State Department website.
   Preparation Tips for the Visa Interview (pdf)
6. Make your travel arrangements. 
   Some airlines will make advanced reservations without issuing your ticket. 
   Find transportation from airports to Bucknell
7. Register to attend GC3 Global Connections, Cultures and Community. 
   This orientation is mandatory for every student attending on an F-1 or J-1 visa.
   Register for GC3