Prepare for Arrival
We are pleased to welcome you to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program at Stony Brook University. This page provides important information to help you prepare for your arrival in the United States and the start of your program.
Below you will find guidance on scheduling your visa interview, entering the United States, meeting U.S. Department of State health insurance requirements, completing your required orientation and check-in with Visa and Immigration Services, and other important steps.
J-1 Exchange Visitors may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on the Form DS-2019. Please note that entry after the program start date is generally not permitted, so it is important to plan your travel accordingly.
Before traveling to the United States, please review the information below to ensure you have completed the necessary preparations and have all required documents with you.
Review the VIS Website
Review the VIS website for important information about orientation and check-in procedures, the J-1/J-2 two-year home residence requirement, maintaining your immigration status, obtaining a Social Security number, applying for a New York State driver’s license, and other helpful resources for your stay at Stony Brook University.
Review your Form DS-2019
Carefully review your Form DS-2019 to ensure that your personal information and program details are accurate. If you will not be able to arrive in the United States by the program start date listed on your DS-2019, please contact VIS as soon as possible so that your record can be updated.
If dependents will accompany you to the United States, each J-2 dependent must have their own Form DS-2019 issued in their name.
Ensure your Passport is Valid
Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date to the United States. If any dependents will accompany you, their passports should also be valid for at least six months beyond their intended entry date.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at least three days before your visa interview. After completing the payment, print the receipt and keep a copy with your immigration documents. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are not required to obtain a J-1 visa stamp, but they must still pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before entering the United States.
Review the Health Insurance Requirements'
Review the J-1 health insurance requirements before you arrive in the United States.
Stony Brook University policy requires all J-1 and J-2 visa holders to enroll in the university’s international health insurance plan immediately after arriving at Stony Brook. This policy follows U.S. Department of State regulations.
You must maintain this coverage for the entire duration of your J-1 program. No exceptions are permitted.
Review your Invitation Letter
Review the invitation letter from your hosting department for details about your program. The letter may include information about your program activities, employment or appointment terms (if applicable), and any program-related fees.
Have Copies of all Important Documents
Bring copies of important medical and dental records, including X-rays and prescriptions written using generic medication names, for yourself and any accompanying dependents.
You should also bring copies of financial documents that show how you will be supported during your program at Stony Brook University. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers may ask to review these documents when you enter the United States.
Get your J-1 Visa
Schedule a visa appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for your J-1 visa. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need a visa stamp.
Visit travel.state.gov to locate the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and review the documents required for your visa interview.
After you receive your visa, carefully review the visa stamp in your passport to confirm that all information is correct. If you notice any errors, contact the issuing embassy or consulate immediately.