Cultural Representative Program
You will receive the I-797 Visa Approval Notice on your Dashboard about 4-6 weeks before your arrival date. Once the I-797 Visa Approval Notice is received, you can make your visa appointment. Please do not make the visa appointment until the approval notice is received. You will receive an e-mail once the I-797 has been placed on your Dashboard.
Cultural Exchange Program + Academic Exchange Program
You will receive your Form DS-2019 about 4-6 weeks before your arrival date. Once you receive your DS-2019, you can make your visa appointment. Please do not make the visa appointment until you have received this document.
If you applied through a Procurement Ally (sourcing agent) in your country or your school, you will receive your DS-2019 from them.
For the Academic Exchange Program, your DS-2019 will be sent to you by the university you will be attending in the United States.
**Please note that citizens of the United States and Canada do not require a visa. Canadians are granted a J-1 status by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when they cross into the United States. You must show the agent your DS-2019, passport, and Offer Letter. If you are a Canadian passport holder, please click the link for this article for additional information: What are the visa instructions for Canadian passport holders?