Visas and Passports
Obtaining the correct immigration documents is one of the most important steps in preparing for your studies in the United States. Please read the information below carefully and begin the visa application process as early as possible.
Passport Requirements
Before applying for your visa, make sure your passport will remain valid for at least six months beyond your anticipated date of entry into the United States. If your passport is due to expire shortly before or during the beginning of your studies, renew it before applying for your visa.
J-1 Visa
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa allows international visitors to participate in approved exchange programs in the United States for educational, cultural, research, training and professional development purposes.
If you have been accepted into a University of Tampa-sponsored exchange visitor program, follow these steps to apply for your J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa and prepare for your arrival in the United States.
Step 1: Receive an Invitation or Acceptance from the University of Tampa
To be eligible for J-1 sponsorship through the University of Tampa, you must first be accepted into an approved exchange visitor program, such as:
- Exchange student programs
- Professors
- Research scholar programs
- Short-term scholar programs
- Other approved academic exchange activities
The University of Tampa's Office of International Programs will determine your eligibility for J-1 sponsorship and begin the immigration document process.
Step 2: Submit Required Documentation to the University of Tampa
You will be asked to provide documentation that may include:
- Passport identification page
- Financial support documentation
- Program or appointment details
- Dependent information (if bringing a spouse or children)
Exchange students will need to apply for admissions. They will receive a welcome email once their host institution nominates them. And once admitted, IPO will send instructions on accessing the ISSS portal, so that the student can submit the DS-2019 Request.
Step 3: Receive Form DS-2019 from the University of Tampa
Once your eligibility has been confirmed, the University of Tampa will issue Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.
Review the document carefully to ensure all information is accurate, including:
- Your name and date of birth
- Program category
- Program start and end dates
- Funding information
Sign the form where indicated.
Step 4: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Before applying for your visa, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
After payment:
- Print the payment confirmation receipt.
- Keep it with your immigration documents.
- Bring it to your visa interview.
Step 5: Complete the DS-160 Visa Application
Complete the online DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application through the U.S. Department of State website.
You will need information from:
- Your passport
- Form DS-2019
- University of Tampa sponsorship details
After submitting the application, print the DS-160 confirmation page.
Step 6: Schedule a Visa Interview
Schedule an appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Interview wait times vary by location, so schedule your appointment as early as possible after receiving your DS-2019.
Step 7: Prepare for Your Visa Interview
Bring the following documents to your appointment:
- Valid passport
- Original Form DS-2019
- DS-160 confirmation page
- SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
- Visa application fee receipt
- Passport-style photo (if required)
- University of Tampa invitation or appointment letter
- Financial support documentation
- Any additional documents requested by the embassy or consulate
Step 8: Attend Your Visa Interview
During the interview, a consular officer may ask questions about:
- Your program at the University of Tampa
- Your academic or professional background
- How your program is funded
- Your plans upon completion of the exchange program
Answer all questions honestly and clearly.
Step 9: Receive Your J-1 Visa
If your application is approved, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate will place the J-1 visa in your passport.
Review the visa upon receipt to ensure all information is correct.
When you arrive at a U.S. Port of Entry, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will review your immigration documents and determine your admission eligibility. You may generally enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your DS-2019.
When traveling, carry:
- Passport with J-1 visa
- Form DS-2019
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Financial support documents
- University of Tampa contact information
Do not pack these documents in checked luggage.
After entering the United States:
- Visit the official I-94 website and download your I-94 arrival record.
- Verify that:
- Your class of admission is J-1
- Your admit-until date is listed as D/S (Duration of Status). Starting Sept. 15th, the Admit-Until Date will be a fixed date, which will be the program end date listed in your DS-2019 plus 30 days of grace period.
If any information is incorrect, contact International Student Services immediately for assistance.
Important: Your passport, visa, I-20, and I-94 are among your most important documents. Keep copies and store the originals in a secure location.
Check In with the University of Tampa
- Upon arrival in the United States, go to the ISSS portal and submit the J-1 Exchange Student Immigration Online Check-In Request to complete the required immigration check-in process with the University of Tampa's Office of International Programs.
- Attend the In-Person orientation organized by the International Programs Office prior to the first day of classes. Information about the orientation will be sent to the institutional email address.
Failure to complete check-in may affect your J-1 status.
Maintaining Your J-1 Status at the University of Tampa
To remain in valid J-1 status, you must:
- Maintain required health insurance coverage for yourself and any J-2 dependents.
- Participate only in activities authorized by your J-1 program.
- Keep your passport valid.
- Notify the University of Tampa of any address changes.
- Obtain authorization before engaging in any employment.
Need Assistance?
The University of Tampa's Office of International Programs is your primary resource for questions regarding J-1 sponsorship, immigration requirements, travel, and maintaining your visa status throughout your program.
