A: The average processing time is 2 months from when our office receives a complete request and we are unable to expedite requests, but we are working on decreasing processing times.   PIPS sponsors more than 3,000 visas per year, and volume continues to increase.  We are implementing a new paperless database to improve efficiency and also working with researchers and departments to identify efficiencies.

A: Those who will enter the U.S. with J-1 Exchange Visitor visa status will use their SEVIS Form DS-2019 “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status” to apply for their J-1 visa. See this checklist for items that you must complete.

A: All J-1 visa holders are required to attend International Orientation. International Orientation is also highly recommended for all other visa holders who are new to the U.S. You might also be required to attend additional hospital or departmental orientations at your U.S. hospital.

A: International Orientation will include information about maintaining your visa status, travel guidance, and other relevant topics. Please bring your passport and DS-2019 to International Orientation. Spouses are invited to attend, but children are not permitted.

A: SEVIS is the U.S. federal government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. All J records are maintained in the SEVIS Database. All J-1 Exchange Visitors (including Canadians) are required to pay a SEVIS fee when they apply for a J visa for the first time, in addition to any regular visa application fees/machine readable visa fees. You are responsible for paying the SEVIS fee, which helps cover the costs of the SEVIS program.

A: You may check the fee on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website here.  J-2 dependent spouses and J-2 dependent children do not pay a SEVIS fee.

The fee can be paid either:

• Online with a credit card by completing Form I-901 (Fee for Remittance for J Nonimmigrants) on FMJfee.com, or
• Through the mail by submitting a completed Form I-901 and a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency

Paying on online is fastest and strongly recommended.

A: The fee must be paid at least 3 business days prior to the visa interview date. This time frame allows the fee payment to be deposited and recorded in SEVIS. Canadian citizens who would like to apply for J-1 status at a Port of Entry into the United States must pay the SEVIS fee at least 3 business days before appearing at the Port of Entry.

A: Yes, you are allowed to make an appointment for an interview at an U.S. embassy or consulate before you have a receipt for your SEVIS I-901 fee payment. However, you need to ensure that there is a record of your payment before you go to your interview.

A: The payment will be recorded in the SEVIS system. However, it is recommended that you bring your receipt to the visa interview. Individuals who pay electronically will be able to print an electronic receipt immediately at the time of payment.

A: Please keep your SEVIS fee receipt. You may have to pay a visa application fee if you have to apply for another J visa in the future, but you should not pay the SEVIS fee again. Having the receipt will help confirm your previous payment.

A: If you have any additional questions about the SEVIS fee, please see http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901

A: MGH is listed as the sponsor of the J-1 visa program on behalf of all Partners Healthcare hospitals. Your hospital and worksite are listed in part 1 under “Primary Site of Activity.”

A: Your legally married spouse and your unmarried children under 21 years old are eligible for J-2 visa status. All J-2 family members should have their own DS-2019 and get their own J-2 visa from the American Embassy/Consulate. Only Canadian citizens do not need visas to enter the United States.

• All J-2 family dependents must travel with their own DS-2019 and valid passport.
• Your J-2 family members can enter the U.S. with you, or they can enter the U.S. separately after you if there have not been any significant changes in your J-1 program since the initial DS-2019s were issued.
• J-2 family members are not required to enter the U.S. within 30 days after the start date listed in Box 3 of the DS-2019.
• Your family should always know your U.S. home address, where you will work, and what type of work you do.