Travel Documents
Passport
A passport is an official document issued by governments certifying the identity and citizenship of the bearer for purposes of travel outside of that country. Your passport should be valid 6 months beyond the end of your program.
U.S. Visa
The US visa is the permission issued by a U.S. consulate abroad for a visitor to seek permission to enter the United States. The actual approval to enter the U.S. is granted by Immigration Officials at the U.S. port of entry (airport, border crossing, etc.)
As an exchange student, you are in the U.S. on a student visa and are expected to attend school regularly. Poor school performance and non-attendance are grounds for AFS to consider your early return.
The visa type granted to AFS high school participants is called a J-1 visa. Please contact your AFS office for information regarding your US visa application.
AFS will provide all students, going to the U.S. with a form called SEVIS Form DS-2019 – Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status J-Nonimmigrant. This is the J-1 visa support document and contains a unique SEVIS ID number. The ID number is required for participants to complete the DS-160 online visa application and secure a visa interview appointment,
AFS-USA will distribute the form DS-2019 through the AFS office in your country.
The cost of your visa (or MRV) fee is $185, and the SEVIS Fee is $220.
When you arrive in the U.S., an Immigration Officer will review and determine whether you have the documents listed below:
- A valid passport
- Correct visa
- Sevis Form DS-2019 - Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-Nonimmigrant) Box 3 should indicate that the Form Covers Period, From: (A date on or before your arrival).
- SEVIS Fee Receipt (I-901 Confirmation)
- Completed Customs Declaration Form
Once approved, the Immigration Officer will return the Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019) and stamp the passport indicating Visa Class as J-1 and Admitted until Date of D/S (for Duration of Stay)