Step 1: Request Visa Sponsorship
Obtain admission to the University of Massachusetts Amherst and request your visa sponsorship document (DS-2019).
All Bachelor and Master level DS-2019s are issued for a 4 year duration and all Doctorate level DS-2019s are issued for a 6 year duration at the time of admission.
Step 2: Complete Canvas Pre-arrival Orientation Requirements
Don’t forget to complete the International Student Orientation requirements. We will contact you at your UMass email address starting in April for Fall admitted students. Typically, orientation is held during the week prior to the program start date on your DS-2019.
Step 3: Pay SEVIS Fee
Go to www.fmjfee.com and select PAY I-901 FEE. Print out the receipt at the end of the transaction and keep a copy for your personal records.
Step 4: Schedule Visa Appointment
Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate near you and schedule a visa appointment.
Canadian Citizens do not need to apply for a visa. Be prepared with your SEVIS fee receipt, signed DS-2019, and passport at your port of entry.
Important Tips:
- Expand your search radius if there are no visa appointments near you. Visa applications submitted to U.S. embassies located outside of your home country may not be accepted. Contact your U.S. Embassy directly for more information.
- If there are visa appointments available but the appointment date is after your DS-2019 program start date, you should still book that appointment. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate is likely to reach out to you to reschedule the appointment for an earlier date.
- You may list the Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) on your DS-2019 as your U.S. Point of Contact on the DS-160. Contact information is available on our website.
Step 5: Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents for your visa appointment. Visa fees may apply.
- Your UMass DS-2019, remember that you must print the DS-2019 in color and sign the form manually. Only the ARO may sign and transmit the DS-2019 electronically.
- Valid Passport
- UMass Admission Offer or Re-enrollment approval letter
- Financial support documents (the same financial documents used in your DS-2019 request)
- Proof that you have close ties to your country (such as ownership of properties, businesses, etc.)
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Other documents as requested by the Embassy.
Step 6: Prepare for your travel abroad
- Double check your visa stamp for the J-1 visa classification and verify that your personal information is correct.
- You are permitted to enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date on your DS-2019.
- Gather your documents for U.S. entry: your original DS-2019 form, passport with J-1 visa stamp, same financial documents you used to apply for your DS-2019 and the SEVIS fee receipt. Travel with all these documents in your carry-on luggage.
- A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the port of entry will review your DS-2019, passport, and J-1 visa stamp to determine your admissibility to the United States. Several days following your entry, check that your entry has been properly documented under your Most Recent I-94 record. You should do this upon every entry on your J-1 status.
Step 7: Complete E-Form
After your arrival in the U.S., complete the New Student Check In E-form. Details will be available in the Canvas Orientation Course. This will fulfill all reporting requirements. You are not required to report in person to our office.