J-1 Visas

Find important information regarding your J-1 visa, so you can travel to the U.S. and attend classes at Champlain.

Initial J-1 Visas

At this point, you must have been issued your Form DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. Please sign your DS-2019 (where indicated) in blue ink.

If you follow the instructions that we have outlined below, you should be successful in getting your student visa and in arriving in the United States without difficulty.

Now that you have been admitted and issued your Form DS-2019, the next step is to apply for your J-1 visa.

Here is what you need to do step by step:

    1. Pay the U.S. SEVIS I-901 fee and print out the receipt by going to this link: https://www.fmjfee.com/. This fee is required for ALL international students who want to study in the United States.
    2. Please visit https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ and complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160). Print out the DS-160 barcode page and bring it with you to your visa appointment. This form is required.
    3. Make an appointment via the website for your visa interview at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your home country with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
      Please note:

      • Some U.S. Consulates have mail-in processes. It is always good to confirm by checking the U.S. Consulate’s website you will be using to determine if you must attend an in-person visa interview or if you must use the mail-in procedures.
      • J-1 student visas can be issued up to 365 days in advance of the start date of a course of study.
      • U.S. government officials require evidence to prove that you qualify for the J-1 visa.
    1. Original Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status
    2. SEVIS I-901 Fee receipt (Form I-797)
    3. DS-160 barcode page (confirmation page with application ID number on it)
    4. Visa Fee Receipt
    5. Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
    6. Two 2X2 Photographs
    7. Original letter of acceptance/invitation from Champlain College
    8. Original financial documents (less than 6 months old)
    9. Official test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc)
    10. Official transcripts and diplomas
    11. Proof of ties to your home country
    12. Visa Reciprocity Fee (if applicable)
    • Be brief and answer questions directly.
    • Keep a positive attitude during the interview.
    • Be ready to explain why you want to come to the U.S. to study at Champlain College. For example:
      • Why do you want to study in the U.S.?
      • Why did you choose Champlain College?
      • What career will your studies prepare you for back home?
    • You must convince the Consulate Officer that you do plan to go back home to stay after you complete your studies. This is the number one reason for visa denial! Present documents that show you have “ties” to your home country, which will force you to return to your home country. These “ties” are usually social, economic, and/or family.
    • Practice your English. Your interview will be in English. You will be required to speak it and show your English test scores (i.e. TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc scores).
    • Please check the visa to make sure that all data on the visa is correct.
    • If your visa is denied, send an email to international@champlain.edu and attach a copy of any written reason for the denial you may have been given.
    • DO NOT plan to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before your program start date indicated on your Form DS-2019.
    • DO NOT pack your immigration documents in your suitcase.

Entry to the U.S.

We are looking forward to your arrival at Champlain College! If you follow the instructions outlined below, you should be able to enter the United States without difficulty.

  1. IMPORTANT! DO NOT come earlier than 30 days before your program start date indicated on your Form DS-2019. You risk being denied entry or being admitted as another visa category (i.e. Visitor instead of a Student).
  2. DO NOT arrive later than the program start date without our permission.
  3. DO NOT pack your immigration documents in your suitcase.
  4. In case of emergency, please email: international@champlain.edu.
  5. All international students entering the U.S. will receive an electronic I-94. This is your STATUS inside the U.S. After entering the U.S., in order to check that you have been placed into the correct status (“J-1 D/S”), please click here.
  6. Have your documents ready to show a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer. You will be asked to show your passport, J-1 student visa, Form DS-2019, and financial documents when you are going through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Inspection.
  7. Be prepared to explain why you are coming to the U.S. The CBP officer will ask a few questions about your purpose for coming to the U.S. Please be prepared to tell them why you are coming to study at Champlain College.
  8. If you do not have your Form DS-2019 and you are issued an I-515A, please email your A/RO as soon as possible. An I-515A only allows you to stay in the U.S. for 30 days.
  9. You may be asked to go to secondary inspections. This is normal – do not worry.
  10. Please report to the Office of International Student Services (Skiff Hall, Room 204) soon as you arrive at Champlain College. Please bring with you the following documents for inspection:
    • Passport (s) with current J-1 Student Visa
    • Original Champlain College Form DS-2019