Obtaining a U.S. Visa: How to Apply for an J-1 Visa a U.S. Embassy/Consulate Abroad
Visa and Status: An Important Distinction
An J-1 visa is granted by a U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad (i.e., located outside the United States). It is important to distinguish between an J-1 visa and J-1 status. The visa is the stamped page in your passport placed there by a U.S. Consular Officer for entry purposes only. Issuance of visas is regulated by the U.S. Department of State. J-1 status is granted once you enter the United States and is regulated by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service (CIS). Once you have entered the United States, the visa has no function. If it expires, it will have no effect on your legal J-1 status as long as you remain in the United States with a valid Form I-20 and a valid passport (see Compliance with U.S. Immigration Laws & Regulations). If you plan to travel outside the United States with an expired visa and want to return to resume your J-1 program, you will need to apply for a new J-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad. Please be aware that there is no guarantee whatsoever that you will be granted a new visa. If you are denied, you will not be able to re-enter the United States. For information about exceptions to the requirement for a visa see Re-Entry to the United States with an Expired Visa.
Applying for an J-1 Visa
When applying for an J-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate, you will need to present the following documents:
- Form DS-2019 signed by a Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) at the educational institution you plan to attend.
- Evidence of financial support.
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Proof of residence abroad to which you intend to return after completion of studies.
According to federal regulations at [22 CFR 41.11], "an applicant for a non-immigrant
visa shall be presumed to be an immigrant until the consular officer is satisfied that
the applicant is entitled to a non-immigrant status . . . The burden of proof is upon
the applicant to establish entitlement for non-immigrant visa status and the type of
non-immigrant visa for which application is made." A common reason for denial of a visa
application is simply that the consular officer is not convinced that you intend to
return home. The consular officer has the discretion to require whatever evidence he/she
deems necessary. You should, therefore, be prepared to provide evidence to the consular
officer that there is both a need and a reason for you to return to your home country.
This may be done by providing:
- evidence of a job offer in your home country or evidence of a job to which you plan to return
- proof of ownership of property
- proof of various other assets in your home country
- evidence of family ties and responsibilities
- A valid passport.
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Other documentation which may be required includes:
- evidence of competence in English
- evidence of education achievements (i.e., transcripts or diplomas)
- police certificates
- photographs
- an application fee
If you have additional questions or need additional information, please contact a staff member in the Office of International Student, Faculty, & Staff Services at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.
