Immigration Support

Immigration Compliance
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5246 USA
(269) 387-5865

J-1 Future Student

The Form DS-2019, or Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, is the immigration document that a student receives under the J visa program. This form is issued by Western Michigan University for a prospective exchange visitor to schedule a visa interview with the consulate in order to obtain a J visa. The SEVIS number, located in the upper-right corner of the DS-2019, is assigned by SEVIS and is unique to each exchange visitor.

Step 1

  • Apply for admission to Western Michigan University.
  • After being admitted to WMU, the student will be issued a DS-2019 immigration form.
    • This form will include the student's field of study, length of program and program start date.
    • The DS-2019 will allow the student to apply for the student visa.
    • Information on student visas is available on the U.S. Department of State website.

Step 2

  • Visit the SEVIS I-901 fee website to pay the I-901 fee.
  • Make sure to print the receipt to take to the visa interview.

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

  • Once the student receives the DS-2019 form from WMU, they must follow the U.S. Embassy/Consulate instructions to schedule an interview for the J-1 visa; it is important to apply for the visa early.
    • Visa wait times vary from country to country. View a list of visa wait times by country on the U.S. Department of State website.
    • Appointments are generally scheduled no sooner than 120 days before the program start date listed on the DS-2019.

Step 6

Go to the visa interview with the following documents:

  • Passport—valid for at least six months
  • Form DS-2019
  • Original WMU admission letter
  • Completed visa application confirmation page
  • One 2-inch-by-2-inch photograph in the prescribed format
  • Receipts for all fees paid (e.g., SEVIS, visa)
  • Financial evidence of sufficient funds
  • Any information proving ties to return to the student's home country (e.g., proof of property, family)
  • Transcripts and diplomas from previous schools
  • Scores from standardized test (e.g., TOEFL)

For more information, consult with an advisor in International Student and Scholar Services (I3S).

J-1 Students and Exchange Visitors receiving an initial SEVIS Form DS-2019 are required to pay the U.S. Department of Homeland Security a SEVIS fee.

What is the SEVIS fee?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is mandated by the U.S. Congress to cover the costs of the SEVIS program. The fee will pay for the operating costs of SEVIS and additional SEVIS liaison officers who will be a resource for students and schools. The fee is a Department of Homeland Security fee. It is not a school or visa fee.

Who pays the SEVIS fee?

The SEVIS fee is paid by all J-1 visitors who are issued an initial DS-2019. Dependents are not required to pay the fee.

If a student is in the U.S., do they still have to pay the SEVIS fee?

If a student applies for a change of status to J-1, they still are required to pay the fee. If the student applies for a change of category within the J program, they still are required to pay the fee. If the student is absent from the U.S. for an extended period and will need a new visa or a new initial DS-2019, the student may need to pay the fee. If the student falls out of status in the U.S. and applies for reinstatement, they will need to pay the fee.

How does the student pay the SEVIS fee?

The SEVIS fee may be paid electronically by submitting Form I-901 online. A credit card must be used.

When does the SEVIS fee get paid?

The SEVIS fee must be paid prior to visa issuance or change of status. To ensure that the payment has been received, the fee should be paid at least three days prior to the visa appointment.

If changing status in the U.S., the fee should be paid prior to sending in the change of status application. Print out the receipt immediately to take to the consulate as proof of payment or include with the change of status application.

What if I am Canadian?

Canadian citizens entering the U.S. do not need a visa. Students will need to make sure they pay the SEVIS fee at least three days in advance of the student's anticipated entry date. The student will need to print a receipt of payment after completing the payment. The student should take the receipt with them to the port of entry. Payment of the fee will be verified at the port of entry.

How does a student prove the fee was paid?

Consulates, service centers and ports of entry should be able to verify SEVIS fee payment if the payment was made at least three days in advance of the visa interview. Applicants are advised to take proof of payment to the visa interview.

Can someone other than the student pay the SEVIS fee?

A third party—such as a sponsoring agency, a school or an academic department—can pay the SEVIS fee for the student and issue a receipt and proof of payment. Friends or family may also pay the fee.

How long is the SEVIS valid, or what if the visa is denied?

The SEVIS fee is good for 12 months. If the student does not obtain a visa in that time, the student will have to begin the process all over again and pay an additional SEVIS fee.

For more information, contact International Student and Scholar Services.