DS-2019 & J-1 VISA PROCESS

OBTAINING THE DS-2019 FORM AND APPLYING FOR A J1 VISA

Georgia Southern University has formal exchange agreements with a number of universities worldwide. To study at Georgia Southern as an exchange student, you will need a J-1 Exchange Visitor’s Visa. In order to apply for a J-1 Visa, you must apply for and receive a DS-2019 form, pay an I-901 fee, and make a visa appointment at a United States consulate or embassy. As these steps require time to complete, you should begin this process as soon as possible!

APPLYING FOR THE DS-2019

To qualify for the DS-2019 Form three things are required.

You must be accepted as an exchange student to Georgia Southern University
For information on how to apply for admission as an exchange student, please contact Mr. Jeff Palis, Exchange Coordinator, at stdyabrd@georgiasouthern.edu

You must submit a completed SEVIS Data Form
This document allows Georgia Southern to collect important information that will be used to prepare your DS-2019.   For the SEVIS Data Form, please click here.

You must submit appropriate financial documentation
To qualify for a DS-2019, you must document sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses. For detailed information, please click here.

PAYING the I-901 FEE

After your DS-2019 form has been issued, you will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. You must pay this fee prior to your J-1 visa appointment and take your payment receipt (Form I-797) with you to your visa appointment. For additional information, please click here.

APPLYING FOR an J-1 VISA

Consult the U.S. Department of State’s website for valuable information on what you will need for your visa appointment.  Among other things, remember to take your DS-2019, letter of acceptance, I-901 payment receipt, and financial documentation with you.

QUESTIONS?

Email us at tgrubbs@georgiasouthern.edu