New exchange visitors who are entering the U.S. for the first time on a J-1 visa can only enter the country 30 days before the start of the program. (This 30-day rule does not apply to returning exchange visitors who already have a valid J-1 visa.) Exchange visitors must also depart the U.S. within 30 days upon completing the program.

Fall 2025 semester

The earliest date you may arrive in the U.S. for the fall 2025 semester is August 3, 2025, 30 days before the start of the fall semester on September 2, 2025.

Canadian citizens are required to obtain J-1 status in order to legally study in the U.S. but do not need to apply for the visa stamp at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  In order to obtain J-1 status, you must show the DS-2019 form issued by SVA, proof of SEVIS fee payment and supporting financial documentation to the Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry when you enter the U.S. Do not enter the U.S. as a visitor, the Visa Waiver Program or as a B-1/B-2 Visitor because full-time study is prohibited under the visitor visa status.

See "Pay the SEVIS $220 Fee" section under Application Requirements below.

After you receive the DS-2019 from SVA, fill out the DS-160 Online Application Form.

A list of U.S. Consulates and Embassies is available at usembassy.gov.

Schedule an interview appointment at the U.S. Consulate/Embassy in your home country. Please do not schedule an appointment until you receive the Form DS-2019.

Follow the instructions on your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate's website to pay the $185 visa application fee.

You will need to pay the $220 SEVIS fee if you are applying for a J-1 exchange visitor visa for the first time.

You do not need to pay the $220 SEVIS fee if you are transferring your DS-2019 sponsorship from another SEVIS approved institution in the U.S, applying for a J-2 dependent visa, or have paid this fee and been denied a visa within the last twelve months.

To Pay Online: 

Note: It is strongly recommended that you pay your SEVIS fee online and not by mail.

Access the Form I-901 online: fmjfee.com/i901fee

Enter SVA's Program Number: P-1-26541. Your SEVIS ID Number starts with an N and is listed on the top of your DS-2019.

Complete the form online and supply the credit card information. You may use credit cards that were issued in the U.S. or in your country. Be sure to write your name exactly how it appears on your DS-2019 form.

Print a copy of the online receipt.

You must bring the receipt of the SEVIS fee payment to the interview.

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Certificate of Eligibility, Form DS-2019 (You must sign the form on page 1)
• SVA's letter of admission
• Completed visa application form (DS-160 online)
• Two 2" x 2" photographs in the specified format (See the travel.state.gov website)
• A receipt of the visa application fee payment
• A receipt for the SEVIS fee payment. Print the payment confirmation screen upon payment. A paper receipt will not be mailed.
• Financial evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses. You must bring the original and sufficient letter/statement from you or your sponsor’s bank.
• Any information to prove that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the U.S. This may include proof that your family members live in your home country, or that you have a job to return to or other ties to your community.

The visa stamp will be affixed to your passport after a short interview.

If your visa is delayed or denied:

If your visa application is denied, please contact the International Student Office immediately and email us a copy of the denial letter. The most common reasons for visa denial are failure to prove sufficient ties to your home country or the lack of sufficient proof of financial support.

Please remember to carry your DS-2019 form with a valid passport and J-1 visa when entering the U.S.