Pre-Arrival Information

You will need a document called a DS-2019 to apply for a J visa.  This is created using the SEVIS system by the Center for Global Engagement staff.  If you have accompanying dependents then each dependent will also receive a DS-2019.

It is best to apply for the J visa in your home country.  You can access the visa application procedures for particular U.S. Embassies and Consulates at the Department of State website.  You will need to pay a SEVIS fee at least three days prior to your visa appointment.  You can pay the SEVIS fee with a credit card at www.fmjfee.com.  Print out the receipt and take it with you when you apply for the visa.  At your visa appointment you must present the DS-2019, your valid passport, and proof of payment of the SEVIS fee to the United States embassy or consulate, as well as any other documentation required by the embassy.

If your spouse or unmarried children (under age 21) are accompanying you, they may apply for J-2 visas at the same time.  Proof of relationship may be required (marriage or birth certificates, etc.).  Dependents do not need to pay the SEVIS fee.

Never make false statements to a consular officer.

Upon approval of your visa application, the consular officer should return the DS-2019 to you along with your passport containing your J-1 visa.  The amount of time this takes varies by country.

State Department J1 Visa Information

Participation in the Exchange Visitor Program may make you and your dependents subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement.  This requirement may be noted on your DS-2019 and/or J visa stamp.

Two-year home-country requirement

UPDATE: Please note that per a Presidential Proclamation, as of November 8, 2021 all J visa holders must be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to enter the U.S.  There are extremely limited exceptions.  You can read details about the vaccination requirement on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. 

You can enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the start date on your DS-2019.  Please update the Center for Global Engagement staff and your faculty mentor of any changes in your arrival to the United States.  In some instances, arriving after your program start date will require an updated DS-2019.

Your passport must be valid at all times while you are in the U.S.  Citizens of some countries must have six months left on their passport when they enter the U.S.

At the port of entry into the United States, you will need to present your passport and form DS-2019 to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.  The officer will return the DS-2019 to you and indicate that you have entered the country legally in J-1 status.  This is usually evidenced by a stamp of the date of entry, the visa status, and the designation “D/S” (duration of status) on the page opposite your visa page in your passport.  These documents are very important; please keep them in a safe place at all times.  They are proof of your legal J-1 status and you will need them for such purposes as extending your permission to stay in the U.S., re-entry to the U.S. after temporary trips abroad, applying for a Social Security Card (if applicable), and obtaining a driver’s license.  You should check your I-94 Travel Record for accuracy every time you enter the U.S.

You must check in with an advisor in the Center for Global Engagement as soon as possible upon your arrival at Boise State University.  Please email globalscholars@boisestate.edu to set up an appointment.  You will need to bring your immigration documents (DS-2019), passport with J visa, and proof of health insurance to the appointment.

The current estimated cost of living for an exchange visitor in Boise is $2,100 USD per month, plus an additional $600 USD per month for each dependent.  Please note that this is a minimum estimate and your actual expenses may be higher depending on your housing and lifestyle choices.

It can be hard to find housing while you are outside the U.S.  If you need time to find housing once you’ve arrived in the U.S., you will probably want to arrange temporary housing (hotel, short-term rental, etc.) for a couple days to a couple weeks.

Please contact your host department to see if they have any housing suggestions for you.

Living in Boise

The Department of State requires that each J-1 exchange visitor and any J-2 dependents have appropriate health insurance during their program.  The University must terminate an exchange visitor’s program if the visitor or visitor’s dependents willfully fail to comply with the insurance requirement.  In addition, J visa holders may be, or may become, subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act.

The Department of State has set specific minimum requirements for the type and amount of insurance coverage (see link below).  Please make sure that your insurance is issued by a US company.  Before the start date of your J program you must show that you have health insurance that meets the requirements for the duration of your stay.  This includes all family members with a J-2 DS-2019.

As a paid, full-time employee at Boise State University you may receive health insurance benefits through the University.  Please contact your host department to determine if this applies to you.  If so, you still must meet the J coverage requirements and will need to purchase evacuation and repatriation of remains insurance through an outside company.  In addition, please note that if your Boise State health benefits will not begin the same day as your program you will need to purchase appropriate coverage to bridge the gap until your Boise State benefits start.

J1 Health Insurance Regulations

Please contact globalscholars@boisestate.edu if you have further questions regarding the health insurance requirements.

The U.S. Department of State provides a Welcome Brochure for exchange visitors.  It includes regulations of the program and emergency hotline information, which allows exchange visitors to directly contact the Department of State in an emergency.

Welcome Brochure

The Wilberforce Pamphlet provides information regarding your rights and protections in the United States as a temporary worker.  Please read through the pamphlet before arriving in the U.S.

Wilberforce Pamphlet