Foreign Visitors Visa Information

ATTENTION, IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE J-1 VISA

There have been changes in INS regulations regarding the J-1 visa. These changes took effect January 30, 2003. Due to the seriousness of university compliance with these new regulations, it is extremely important that you read this entire section carefully and understand that there can be serious consequences if these procedures are not followed. Visiting on a J-1 visa is highly recommended, as well as for short visits for less than 30 days.

NOTE: Because of longer visa processing time we strongly recommend that you inform us of your intent to visit at least 4-6 months in advance.

PLEASE READ THE PLANNING STEPS BELOW AND FOLLOW CAREFULLY:

  • START EARLY We recommend visitors begin their planning for a visit to Berkeley at least six months in advance of their expected travel date.

  • CONTACT THE CLOSEST U.S. CONSULATE OR EMBASSY IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY to find out the timing on obtaining a J-1 visa, so you can plan ahead. I will send you the "DS-2019 request form" which you should complete and return to me. Once received, it will be sent to our campus visa office (SISS), when approved you will be sent the "Certificate of Eligibility" (pink DS-2019 document), take this document to the nearest U.S. Consulate to obtain your J-1 visa. Knowing in advance how long it will take your U.S. Consulate to process the document will assist you in your planning, so please contact them for this information. Due to recent security checks, delays of at least 8 weeks are common. Consulate and embassy addresses, phone numbers, and information about how long it takes to get a visa re on the U.S. Department of State website at: http://travel.state.gov (Only Canadian citizens are not required to get the J-1 visa stamp in their passports).

  • ALLOW UC BERKELEY SUFFICIENT TIME TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS necessary for issuing the DS-2019. The process may take 2-3 months for the DS-2019 document to reach you - this includes initiating the paperwork, getting approvals, producing the document, and mail or courier time.

  • DO NOT MAKE NON-REFUNDABLE AIRLINE OR TRAVEL RESERVATIONS. We cannot guarantee that documents can be produced and delivered on "short notice" to conform to premature travel plans. As stated above, allow sufficient time before your flight, make changeable reservations, or wait until you have the DS-2019 document and J-1 visa stamp in your possession before making your travel reservations.

  • MOST IMPORTANTLY, do not attempt to enter the U.S. in any other status other than the J-1 visa!
    What could happen? Scholars coming to UC Berkeley in the improper immigration status have been:

    1. Unable to enter the U.S. and sent home by the Immigration Service on the next available flight
    2. Unable to extend their stay
    3. Unable to receive payment

  • CHECK-IN with Debora Haaxman, your department's staff contact, immediately upon your and your family's arrival. New regulations require the University of California, Berkeley, to verify you and your family's arrival in the U.S. within 10 days.

There are two major changes in immigration regulations and procedures that affect visiting international scholars in J immigration status:

LONGER VISA PROCESSING TIME

The U.S. Department of State, mandated by H.R. 3525, The Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act, has changed requirements for obtaining visas for travel to the U.S. by international researchers and lecturers in J-1 immigration status. A direct impact of this is an increase in the time it takes to obtain a visa at a U.S. consulate to enter the U.S.

Plan on at least four months from the time of the initial invitation to come to Berkeley to the scholar's arrival in Berkeley. This holds for both paid and unpaid positions.

Visa processing at U.S. consulates is taking between six and 10 weeks. This time is in addition to the time it takes departments to gather all the necessary documentation and approvals that are required before a DS-2019 (the J visa document) can be requested.

SEVIS

SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is the system that INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) and DOS (Department of State) will be using to track international students and scholars in F, J, and M (vocational programs) immigration statuses and their dependents, from the time of the production of the initial visa document to the individual's program completion or departure from Berkeley. There are two main components in SEVIS: (1) visa document production; and (2) reporting events. The compliance date for SEVIS is January 30, 2003.

What are the effects of non-compliance with SEVIS? A few examples

  • In order to re-enter the U.S. after a trip overseas, the scholar must present a DS-2019 (the J visa document) with the SEVIS barcode. Without this document, the scholar could be barred from entry into the U.S.
  • If a scholar's arrival is not reported to SEVIS and his/her visa document is therefore voided, it cannot be used to re-enter the U.S. should the scholar leave for any reason.
  • Also, if the scholar is determined to be out of status due to failure to report arrival at the approved location, it will be very difficult for the scholar to be reinstated. If not reinstated, the scholar will have to leave the U.S.

What J international scholar information will have to be reported to SEVIS ?

  • The information on a DS-2019 (the old IAP-66), the J visa document is required.
  • Events:
    1. Arrival. The scholar has begun her or his program on campus
    2. Residential address and any changes, where PO boxes and departmental addresses are not accepted
    3. Completion of program early, on the date specified on the DS-2019, or later (which requires an extension)

There is a $425 processing fee to apply for the J-1 visa. A check (drawn from a U.S. bank) or money order can be made out to the UC REGENTS and must be included with your returned form.

The minimum required financial support for J-1 international scholars is $1,600 per month. The amounts required for accompanying family members will remain at $500 per month for the spouse and $200 per month for each child. Once approved, your DS-2019 will be returned to you. You are to bring it to the nearest American Consulate to obtain your J-1 visa. More detailed information can be found in the enclosed brochure, upon receipt.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 24-month bar for J-1 visitors.

NOTE: For information about health insurance requirements, please go here.