Exchange Visitor (J)

What Do I Need to Apply?

• A signed passport valid for at least six months after your date of entry into the U.S.
• A completed and signed Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF DS-156) with photo (See "photo requirements") for each applicant.
• A completed Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-157) for each applicant.
• A completed Contact Information And Work History For Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant (DS-158) for each applicant.
• A receipt from Shinhan Bank for the visa processing fee. 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. A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent's passport who is also applying for a U.S. visa, is needed.  *Please see exceptions below.
Original Form DS-2019, SEVIS Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (Any J-1 applicant, who has a DS-2019 issued on July 19, 2007 or later, must present a DS-7002 if he wishes to pursue training or an internship in the United States). 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. 

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.


Paper receipt indicating SEVIS fee payment for all J1 visa applicants (if DS-2019 was issued after August 31, 2004). The SEVIS fee can be paid online at www.fmjfee.com. Only the primary applicant is required to pay the SEVIS fee.  We accept the online generated SEVIS fee receipt.  Please see www.fmjfee.com for fee requirements and exceptions.
If you will be a student, transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended.
Financial evidence showing that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses for at least your first year of intended study (i.e., original bank books, income tax certificate, proof of scholarship). Please submit the financial information only of the person(s) who will be supporting you through your program in the U.S.
For government, foundation or university-sponsored applicants, a letter showing sponsorship.
If applying with dependents, Certificate of Family Relationship (previously referred to as Family Census Registry).  Note in certain cases the Embassy may also ask to see additional documents including Basic Certificate, Certificate of Marital Status, and/or Adoption Certificate.
A courier service receipt from an Embassy-approved courier company (Ilyang:1588-0002; Hanjin: 1588-0011) within Korea. You may get courier receipts at the courier service offices near the the Embassy or by contacting either Ilyang or Hanjin courier company directly. 
All Korean-language documents do not need to be translated into English.

*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 a Department of State or USAID-sponsored and funded educational and cultural exchanges are not required to pay the MRV processing fee at Shinhan Bank.  
     

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please go to USA VISA Information Services at http://www.us-visaservices.com/. USA VISA Information Services is available 24 hours a day, and can be accessed from both inside and outside of Korea.

For nonimmigrant visa (NIV) inquiries (excluding E, H, L, O, P, Q visa inquiries), please e-mail us at : seoulniv@state.gov. For E, H, L, O, P, Q visa inquiries, please e-mail us at : seoulgoldteam@state.gov.

The applicant, not the U.S. Government, assumes full responsibility for all documents and materials submitted in connection with any consular or visa matter, and for qualifying for the required visa or travel document in time to meet the applicant's needs.

Updated June 29, 2008