Timeline_J-1 application

Timeline

In general we suggest submitting an application to International Suport Services at least ten (10) weeks prior to the program’s anticipated start date. It takes approximately one to two weeks for International Support Services to process a complete request. This visa sponsorship application will be reviewed by Global Operations and Security. GOS typically takes 1-2 weeks. Other considerations when beginning the process are shipment of DS-2019, visa processing times at a U.S. embassy, traveling internationally, and finding appropriate housing in Lawrence.

For some scholars in technology controlled fields, additional time may be required to obtain a J visa. Many scholars in these fields go through administrative processing, essentially a background security check done by the U.S. Department of State. This can add anywhere from three weeks to six months to the visa processing time.

Once the DS-2019 has been issued and the scholar applies for a visa, if they will not be able to arrive by the program start date, please inform International Programs. An adjustment to the program may be required.

Steps	Description	Timeframe
Hire/Invite scholar
Submit documentation to International Support Services	Collect supporting documentation Host department adds scholar to iHawk» Scholar adds biographical information to iHawk» Host department reviews/edits/submits complete iHawk» record	1-2 weeks
Global Operations and Security Review	GOS will review both Program Information and Applicant information forms in iHawk	1-2 weeks
ISS review documentation and issues DS-2019	Review and analyze scholar’s iHawk» record Enter scholar’s data into SEVIS database and generate DS-2019 Contact host department with complete DS-2019	2 weeks
DS-2019 & Welcome packet shipped to scholar	Host department can pust their own FedEd account info in program information form. ISS will use that account number and third party billing to immidiately send packet to scholar. Alternatively the department can pick up and send to scholar.	1 week
Scholar pays SEVIS fee	Receive DS-2019 Most scholars pay their own SEVIS fee on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s website». Print payment confirmation. If the KU host department would like to pay this fee, they may do so by credit card.	immediate
Online visa application	Access the online DS-160 on Consular Electronic Application Center website». Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page Schedule a visa interview appointment. Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website» where you will be interviewed for country specific instructions. Pay the visa application processing fee. Review country – specific instructions on U.S. Embassy or Consulate website». All embassies have wait times for visa interviews. You can find out more information on the specific embassy’s wait times».	1-3 weeks
Administrative Processing	For some scholars in technology controlled fields, additional time may be required to obtain a J visa. Administrative processing» is conducted by the U.S. Department of State.	Between 3 weeks and 8 weeks
Receive J visa	International Support Services strongly recommends that scholars do not purchase plane tickets until they have received the J visa.	varies
Arrival	Scholars can arrive up to 30 days before the start of their program, but if they will arrive late, please notify International Programs.
Online Check-In with International Support Services	Visit the iHawk» website and upload immigration documentation and living address in the United States.	First or second day in the United States
Orientation with International Support Services	All J scholars are required to attend a Visiting Scholar Check-In meeting. Please register in iHawk account under New Scholars.	First or second week of arrival

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Timeline