Documents needed to enter the U.S. include the following:
Your passport must be valid on entry into the U.S. Your passport must have at least one blank page and it should be valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in the U.S. Some countries are exempt from this six month rule.
If you are currently living/ studying in a country in which you need an entry clearance visa, study permit, leave to remain or a residency permit to re-enter that country (e.g., Chinese citizen studying in the UK), you must ensure that the document will allow multiple entries and be valid upon return to that country.
(Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status)
This personalized form is created in SEVIS based on your application information and issued by GEC. The DS-2019 Form is required for you to apply for the J-1 Visa. The DS-2019 Form contains information that identifies your program sponsor, describes the program purpose and states the exact start and end dates that you are allowed to work in the U.S. The DS-2019 Form dates are the only valid dates of your U.S. program regardless of any date on your U.S. J-1 visa stamp.
The DS-2019 Form lists your individual DS-2019 or SEVIS number (N001…) which you will need when validating your program once you arrive in the U.S.
You must report to and are only authorized to work with the vetted and approved Host Company listed on the DS-2019 Form.
Please verify that all of your information is correct on the DS-2019.
You must report to and are only authorized to train with the vetted and approved Host Company listed on the DS-2019 Form and DS 7002 training plan.
GEC will complete the required SEVIS fee form on your behalf as part of your paperwork process and will pay the fee to DHS from your paid program fees. While the U.S. Embassy or Consulate should be able to electronically verify your payment, it is recommended that applicants bring a receipt showing proof of payment of the SEVIS fee to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate when applying for the J-1 visa.
The receipt can be obtained according to the following instructions:
Having the receipt on hand proves the payment was processed correctly and speeds up the verification process at the Embassy/Consulate. The SEVIS fee is nonrefundable even if your visa is refused or you cancel from the program. The SEVIS fee amount is subject to change per the U.S. State Department’s decision.
This document is an agreement between the Host Organization, the intern / trainee, and GEC. It states information specific to the training opportunity being offered and is signed by a Host Company representative, a GEC representative, and the intern / trainee. By signing this DS-7002 Form, all parties agree to complete the terms and conditions of the program.
Interns / Trainees are required to report to the Host Organization listed on the Training / Internship Placement Plan by the start date listed the training plan as well as on the DS- 2019 Form and are expected to train at this site of activity for the duration of their program.
Please note: You are required to return home upon the completion of your program, and you are not allowed to stay in the U.S. to obtain work after the end date on your DS-2019 Form. Your training dates cannot be extended for any reason once you have arrived in the U.S. to begin your program.
As stated above in the Transparency of Program Fees, it is your responsibility to bring enough personal funds with you to the U.S. in order to pay for your housing deposits, rent, food and other expenses.
You are required to bring at least $2000 USD (as printed on your DS-2019 Form) with you to the U.S. to provide necessary funds for you to establish your housing arrangements, transportation, etc. You are required to complete a Financial Support Confirmation form, and GEC reserves the right to request evidence of sufficient personal funds before processing your application. You may also be asked to show proof of available funds to an Embassy / Consulate official and Customs and Border Patrol Officer if asked.