Required Documents
To enter the U.S. and participate in your J-1 program you will need certain documents. Some of these documents will come from CIEE, your CIEE international representative, or your host organization. Others, like your passport, are your responsibility.
Take the documents listed below to the U.S. with you. It is important to keep them in a safe place at all times. When traveling, be sure they are in your carry-on bag and not your checked luggage. You may also find it useful to take photos or digital scans of each document in case of loss, theft, or damage.
Documents Provided by CIEE or Your Host Organization
DS-2019 Form – Certificate of Eligibility
This document shows you are authorized to intern or train in the U.S. It certifies that you have the sponsorship and support of CIEE, and it must be taken to the U.S. Embassy or consulate when you apply for your J-1 visa. This document contains your program dates, SEVIS ID, and field of training. Please make sure you have signed and dated the bottom of your DS-2019.
DS-7002 Form - Training/Internship Placement Plan*
This is the official summary of your training, and proof that you will be engaged in an approved program in the U.S. Learn more.
I-901 - SEVIS Fee Receipt
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security keeps track of visitors with a system called SEVIS – the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Once you have paid your SEVIS fee to your international representative, you’ll receive a SEVIS receipt that you must take with you when you go to the U.S. Embassy to get your visa.
Confirmation of insurance and insurance identification card
Make sure you always keep your identification card with you; you must present it to your health care provider if you seek medical treatment. Otherwise, you may be charged for services.
Letter to Social Security officer (optional but recommended)
This letter explains your J-1 Exchange Visitor status to the Social Security officer who will process your Social Security application.
*Participants of the 1-Year Graduate USA Visa Program will not complete their DS-7002 until after they arrive in America.
Documents You Need To Obtain On Your Own
Passport
Your home country is responsible for issuing your passport. If you already have a passport, you need to make sure that it’s valid for the entire time that you will be in the U.S. Please note: Before granting your J-1 visa, some U.S. Embassies require you to hold a passport that expires at least six months after the last day of your program. You can check with the U.S. Embassy in your home country about its specific policy. Once you have your passport, contact the U.S. Embassy again to schedule an interview to apply for your visa.
U.S. J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Take your DS-2019, SEVIS receipt, and passport with you to your interview at the U.S. embassy. Your CIEE international representative can help guide you through the process and may also help you arrange the interview. Contact your representative directly for more information.
U.S. J-2 Visa for Dependents (if applicable)
Spouses and unmarried children under age 21 are eligible for J-2 visas.
Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record Card
The I-94 number is issued upon entrance to the United States. You may go the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s I-94 website after you have arrived to download and/or print a copy of your number.
Documents You'll Receive on the Airplane
Customs Declaration Form 6059B
Fill this out before you land, and give it to the customs officer. Instructions are printed on the form. You will not keep, nor do you need a copy of, this document; it is just for U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s use at the airport.