Exchange Visitor (J)
What Do I Need to Apply?
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A passport valid for travel to the United States with any plastic/leather cases removed.
(Note: A passport with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States is required for certain countries, unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions. Korean and certain other country passports are exempt from this requirement.) -
A completed and signed Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF DS-156) with photo (See "photo requirements") for each applicant.
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Form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is required to be submitted with Form DS-156 by all male nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants between the age of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality or place of application.
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A completed Contact Information And Work History For Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant (DS-158) for aged 16 and above applicants.
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A visa processing (MRV) fee receipt from Shinhan Bank. The fee may be paid at any of the bank's branches in Korea. There is a branch only a short walk from the Embassy;click for map. This receipt is required for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent's passport also applying for a U.S. visa. *Please see exceptions below.
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Your old passport containing your previously issued J visa, if applying for a renewal.
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Original Form DS-2019, Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. The form must be signed in blue ink by the designated exchange organization official. You must also sign your DS-2019 on the "Signature of Applicant" line. (Any J-1 applicant, who has a DS-2019 issued on July 19, 2007 or later, must present a DS-7002 if he/she wishes to pursue training or an internship in the United States)
We will no longer put DS-2019 forms in a sealed envelope. Please be sure to carry your DS-2019 with you and show it to the U.S. immigration inspector when you arrive in the U.S. -
Financial evidence showing that you have sufficient funds to cover expenses (i.e., original bank books, income tax certificate, proof of sponsorship) for at least the first year of program participation. If supported by a third-party, please submit financial information only of the person/entity that will be supporting you for the program in the United States. For government-sponsored J visa applicants, annotations on Form DS-2019 will serve as sufficient evidence.
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Paper receipt indicating SEVIS fee payment for J1 visa applicant. Only the primary (J1) applicant is required to pay the SEVIS fee. The SEVIS fee can be paid online at www.fmjfee.com.
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A courier receipt from an Embassy-approved courier company within Korea. Courier forms are available through the Ilyang (1588-0002; www.ilyanglogis.com) or Hanjin (1588-0011; www.hanjin.co.kr) courier companies.
Note: The consular officer may request additional information if needed.
* All current Korean diplomats and accredited diplomats to Korea, and their immediate family members who are applying for J1/J2 visas with their diplomatic pasport or equivalent are not required to pay the MRV processing fee at Shinhan Bank. Please note that the MRV processing fee is different from the SEVIS fee which is paid online at www.fmjfee.com.
* Exchange visitors who are participating in U.S. Federal Government-sponsored and funded (G1, G2, G3 and G7) educational and cultural exchange programs are exempt from paying the MRV processing fee at Shinhan Bank.
For more information on J visas, please click here.
Updated: November 13, 2009