Important immigration information
Before you travel to Illinois State, there will be many things to do. The most important is to receive your J-1 Visa in order to enter the United States. Please see the information below about this process:
- To participate in our exchange program, you must apply for a J-1 Visa. This type of visa is granted to students who wish to engage in exchange programs in the U.S.
- A visa is a document issued by the U.S. government that you will need to enter the country.
- You may apply for your visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is generally recommended to apply in your home country. Please view information about U.S. Consulates in order to locate the consulate nearest to you.
- All students must pay applicable fees:
- Visa fees: You will need to pay any fees associated with the visa process.
- A SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee: You must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before you attend your visa interview. You will bring a receipt of your payment to your interview. SEVIS is an internet system/database that helps the U.S. keep track of international students. As a university that sponsors international students, we are required to use SEVIS to enter information about you before and during your stay in the U.S. We use the SEVIS system to create your DS-2019 document. Go to fmjfee.com to pay the SEVIS fee.
During your visa interview, you may be asked to show a variety of documents, such as:
- DS-2019
- Valid passport
- Visa application forms
- Documents to show you will have enough money for your time in the U.S.
- Documents to show ties to your home country (plans to return home after your program)
If your visa application is approved, your passport will be stamped with a J-1 visa.
Important: Remember to have your passport, visa, and DS-2019 ready for review upon entry.