Entering the United States
When to enter the U.S. and begin working
- You can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date listed in Section 3 of your DS-2019.
- You can enter the U.S. up to 30 days after the start date listed in Section 3 of your DS-2019 (click here if you cannot enter the U.S. within 30 days after the DS-2019 start date).
- You can participate at your U.S. hospital on or after the start date on the DS-2019.
Going Through U.S. Immigration
When entering the U.S., place your visa documents in your carry-on bag because you will not have access to your other luggage when you go through U.S. Immigration.
Be prepared to provide Immigration Officer with the following items entering the United States:
- Your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months into the future and also contain a valid J-1 visa*
- Your original DS-2019
- I-901 paper receipt for the SEVIS fee
- If you are not paid by the U.S. hospital at which you will participate, bring a copy of the award letter if you are paid from abroad, or personal bank statement if you financially support yourself with personal funds.
- The location of your temporary or permanent U.S. home address.
- The name and address of the U.S. hospital at which you will participate.
After an Immigration Officer reviews the above documentation:
- The Immigration Officer will place a stamp in your passport as proof of your date of entry to the U.S., the port of entry, visa status, and permitted length of stay. You should receive a “D/S” notation in your passport stamp. (“D/S” in your passport stamp is an abbreviation of “Duration of Status” and grants the J-1 Exchange Visitor admission to the U.S. until the program end date as listed on the DS-2019 document and also allows the DS-2019 to be extended.)
- The Immigration Officer will enter your electronic “Form I-94 Arrival/Departure” visa information into the government’s database.
- The electronic Form I-94 is an important document that verifies your legal visa status and permitted length of stay. Form I-94 is also required for employment authorization, Social Security Number applications, Massachusetts driver’s licenses, extensions of stay in the U.S., etc.
- The Immigration Officer will return all of the documentation to you.
- Each time after you enter the U.S., you must to www.cbp.gov/I94 and print a copy of your new electronic Form I-94.
Keep Form DS-2019 and your Form I-94 record with your passport. Keep copies of your passport and visa documents in a safe place in case your originals are lost or stolen. Keep all DS-2019s issued to you.
Click here to continue completing the items on your required "J-1 Exchange Visitor Checklist."
*Canadian citizens do not need to obtain a visa from an American Embassy/Consulate, but they do need to pay the SEVIS fee.