- CIP Codes and OPT extension to 29 months for STEM students
- OPT Regulation Changes Effective 4/8/2008
- H-1B Cap Update
- 29 month OPT - final interim rule PENDING
- Continuing Students: Fall Registration Week
- Are you graduating in May?
- Curricular Practical Training
- Spring Break Travel Advice
- Tax Filing Info for Foreign Students
- Tax Filing Info for Foreign J Scholars
- Non-Resident Tax Services at Carnegie Mellon
- H1B Cap Update for Fiscal Year 09
- OPT Sessions for Spring Graduates
- International Student Responsibilities
Announcements
Office of International Education
J-1 Immigration Issues
Visa Application Information
For scholars and their families who are currently or will be outside of the U.S. and will apply for a new visa to enter the U.S.
SEVIS Fee
If you are not currently in J1 status, you will need to pay the SEVIS fee in order to obtain a J visa, enter the US or change to J status or change to J scholar status. OIE will send detailed instructions on paying the fee with your visa document.
Visa application process
After you receive your immigration documents from OIE, you will go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country to apply for a visa for you and your dependents (if any). Your immigration documents are not a visa, and you cannot enter the U.S. with them alone.
When you go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, in addition to your immigration documents, you also need to bring an original copy of your funding verification from Carnegie Mellon or another financial sponsor. If you are supporting yourself, you should bring original bank statements.
To enter the U.S., you must carry your immigration documents along with your passport and the visa stamp inside of the passport. (Remember to carry the documents on the airplane with you. Do not pack them in your luggage).
The visa application process can take several days or several weeks, so plan accordingly. If visa processing takes longer than you anticipated, contact OIE for advice. We strongly recommend that you do not enter the U.S. in another status, such as B-1/B-2 tourist. You may have difficulty changing your status in the U.S., and more importantly, the immigration official at the port of entry may not permit you to enter the U.S. without your J-1 visa.
Third-country applicants
Individuals who are outside of the U.S. and plan to apply for a visa in a country other than their country of citizenship are considered "Third Country Applicants". Only some U.S. Embassies and Consulates will accept applications from Third Country Applicants. Check the website for the Embassy/Consulate that you plan to visit to learn about their policies. http://usembassy.state.gov/
Dependent visa information
If your spouse and any children under 21 years of age will be accompanying you, they must apply for visas as well. In addition to proving that you have sufficient funds to support them, you must also bring documents that prove your relationship. For your spouse, you must bring a copy of your marriage certificate, and for your children you must bring copies of their birth certificates.
More information about applying for a visa
More information about applying for visas will be mailed to you along with your immigration document. You can also go to the U.S. Department of State Non-immigrant visa section and look under the appropriate heading for your visa type. Look under the heading "Exchange Visitors" for information on the J-1 program.
Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates
Last Updated On: September 5th, 2006