We are delighted to welcome you as part of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Office is committed to supporting program sponsors by fulfilling key requirements, including providing orientation and cultural enrichment opportunities. Our orientation session is designed to equip you with the essential information and resources needed to start your stay with confidence and make the most of your experience here.
Pre-Arrival Preparation Items
If you're reading this page, it means you've been approved for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and are preparing to arrive at Texas State University. Please carefully review the information below to ensure you have completed all necessary steps before your arrival.
Book Visa Appointment
If you've received your DS-2019 from ISSS and sponsor approval, schedule your visa appointment with your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Begin Your Preparation
Book your flight, arrange housing, notify the RO of your arrival date, and ensure your insurance covers your entire program.
J-1 Arrival Orientation
All exchange visitors and dependents must complete orientation and submit required check-in documents to ISSS.
Helpful Information About Your J-1 Visa
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What is SEVIS and the I-901 Fee and How to Pay it?
The Exchange Visitor Program is administered by DHS utilizing an internet-based system called SEVIS or "Student and Exchange Visitor Information System". For information about the I-901 SEVIS Fee, and who is required to pay it, see https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901
You may pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee at www.fmjfee.com/. You will need information from your DS-2019 to complete the process. The fee must be paid in U.S. dollars and may be paid online by credit card or by postal mail with a money order.
In order to apply for your J visa, you msut present evidence of your I-901 SEVIS Fee payment at your visa interview. Therefore, upon completion of the payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee, you should print out two copies of the receipt; one for applying for your J visa, and one for entry into the U.S.
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How to Apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa?
After receiving the Form DS-2019 you must schedule an appointment to receive the J-1 visa stamp in your passport prior to arriving in the U.S.
- Pay the $350 I-901 SEVIS Fee
- Schedule an appointment for you J visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Pay the $160 DS-160 online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee
- Check visa appointment wait times to ensure there is adequate time to arrive to U.S. before the program start date stated on the DS-2019.
Bring the following documents to your visa appointment:
- DS-2019 - Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status
- Valid Passport (with a validity date at least 6 months beyond the anticipated arrival date)
- Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Confirmation Page
- I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
- Proof of Financial Support
- Texas State sponsoring department Invitation Letter
- Evidence of English ability sufficient for exchange program
- Be prepared to prove nonimmigrant intent. Evidence of residence abroad an intent to depart the U.S. after completion of Exchange Visitor Program.
- One 2 inch by 2 inch passport style photo
- If accompanied by J-2 Dependent(s) bring their DS-2019, Passport, and passport photo.
Be sure to review the information at your local Consulate's websiet in case you need to bring additional documentation.
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J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Overview
J-1 Visa Interview
The consular officer will evaluate the documents and interview the Exchange Visitor to determine whether the he or she is eligible for a J-1 visa and whether or not the individual would be subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement of I.N.A. § 212(e) by participating in the program. If found eligible, the consular officer will issue a J-1 visa and affix the visa to the applicant's passport.
Applicants must demonstrate nonimmigrant intent to the consular officer by showing they have binding ties to a residence in a foreign country which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they are coming to the U.S. for a temporary period. It is impossible to specify the exact form the evidence should take since applicants' circumstances vary greatly.
Resources
Exchange Visitor Program: Interview and Documents
J-1 Arrival To-Do List (After Arriving at TXST)
As a J-1 Exchange Visitor, you must complete the following steps to maintain your immigration status. The ISSS Office will review your documents and validate your immigration record in SEVIS.
⚠️ Failure to submit required check-in documents may result in automatic cancellation of your SEVIS immigration record.
1. Schedule Your Immigration Check-In
Make an immigration check-in appointment with your Responsible Officer (RO) to:
- Complete your arrival verification
- Validate your J-1 program in SEVIS
- Ask questions and learn about campus resources
Dependents are welcome to attend but are not required. However, please bring their documents if applicable.
2. Documents Required for Check-In
Please bring the following items to your appointment:
- Signed DS-2019 form(s)
- Most recent I-94 record
- J-1 visa and J-2 visa(s) (if applicable)
- Proof of health insurance for yourself and your dependents
- Your local U.S. address
- Your foreign and U.S. phone numbers
3. Report Address or Contact Changes
Per SEVIS guidelines, J-1 exchange visitors must report any changes to their address or contact information.
If you move or update your contact information, please notify the ISSS office within 10 days so your SEVIS record can be updated.
4. Arrival Orientation
Federal law requires J-1 exchange visitors to complete an arrival orientation after entering the United States which you will complete with our RO once you arrival into the U.S.
Cross Cultural Activities
Federal law requires cross-cultural activities for J-1 exchange visitors and their dependents. Stay connected—join ISSS events! Check the ISSS Events Calendar and explore more on the Texas State University Calendar.
Emergency Contacts
The Office of Private Sector Exchange will email new EVP participants about the J-Visa Emergency Hotline and other resources. Sponsors (TXST Faculty) will remain their main contact. Add jvisas@state.gov to your contacts to ensure you receive official messages.
Understand the Financial Obligations
While your J-1 Scholar program covers many aspects of your experience, there are some additional living expenses to keep in mind:
Some typical costs include (but are not limited to):
Rent: Can range up to $2,500 per month, including electricity and utilities
Food: Around $200 per week on average
Transportation: Gas or other travel costs if your housing is not within walking distance of campus
students walking in front of TXST statue
Reminder
Per SEVIS guidelines, if you move to a new address or update your contact information, please notify our office within 10 days so we can update your SEVIS record accordingly.
Contact internationalscholars@txstate.edu to schedule an appointment!
J-1 Program Information & Resources
Getting Settled
At TXST, we have on-campus and off-campus support!
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Adapting to San Marcos
To help you adjust to life in San Marcos and the surrounding communities, the resources below provide helpful information about daily life in the United States and services available near Texas State University. These resources are recommended for J-1 exchange visitors and their dependents as they settle into the local community:
- Life and customs in the U.S.
- U.S. Money and Banking
- Attractions
- Dining
- Hotels
- Public Transportation
- Parks and Recreation
- Medical Centers (contact your health insurance provider for recommended in-network providers)
- San Marcos Library and Texas State Alkek Library
- San Marcos Activity Center
- K-12 Schools: San Marcos, New Braunfels, Austin, and San Antonio
- Texas State University Police Department (UPD)