Prospective J-1 Students:
Becoming Sponsored
Students wishing to come to the U.S. on a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa need to be sponsored through an organization that is registered with the USIA (United States Information Agency) Exchange Visitor program. Most of our J-1 students are sponsored through the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Andrews University itself is not part of the Exchange Visitor program, and thus does not sponsor students. It is therefore essential to contact a sponsoring organization in advance, to secure their willingness to sponsor you. [Back to top]
Getting Academic Acceptance
Click here for information about obtaining academic acceptance.
Receiving the DS-2019 form from the sponsoring organization
After you obtain a sponsor and are academically accepted, the sponsoring organization (for example, the General Conference of SDAs) will issue the form DS-2019 for you. [Back to top]
The $100 SEVIS 1-901 Fee
A $100 SEVIS fee is required of all international students including citizens of Canada. Along with the DS-2019, you should receive information on how to pay the $100—SEVIS fee. Once you pay the SEVIS fee, you will receive a receipt which you should present at the American Consulate as you apply for a student visa (citizens of Canada must present the SEVIS receipt at the border). [Back to top]
Applying for a J-1 Visa at a U.S. Consulate
(not applicable to citizens of Canada)
Step 1 – Request an Interview.
Request and secure a date for an interview with an officer at the American Consulate in your country.
Step 2 – Take the Proper Documents.
Take the following documents with you to the interview:
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A legal passport valid for at least six months (preferably 4-5 years).
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Your original DS-2019 form.
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The $100 SEVIS receipt.
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American Consulates normally demand financial documentation as evidence that you are able to support yourself financially while studying in the U.S.
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You must also present documentation of strong ties that require you to return to your home country after completing studies.
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Contact the local U.S. consulate to inquire if any additional documents are required as this may vary from country to country.
Step 3 - Obtain Your Visa and Come to Andrews.
After obtaining the visa, you are ready to come to Andrews University. The earliest time you can come is indicated on the visa you receive. Also, make certain you do not come later than the reporting date stated on your DS-2019.
All International students are required to attend the new International Student Orientation which normally takes place one week before starting classes. [Back to top]
At the Port of Entry
An international airport in the U.S. is the port of entry to most international students (except students from Canada). Before you pick up your luggage, an immigration officer will check your documents (passport, visa, DS-2019 and I-94). The I-94 is a form given to you in the airplane shortly before landing in the U.S. It is extremely important to complete this form with the correct information and present it to the officer at the port of entry. After examining your documents the officer will stamp all your documents including your DS-2019, I-94 and your passport. The Officer must return all these documents to you because they are your personal property and should not be kept with the agent. [Back to top]
Arriving at Andrews
If your final destination is Chicago, be sure to take the Coach USA bus (www.coachusa.com) which brings you into South Bend airport, Indiana. If you do not have a friend to pick you up, you may arrange with the transportation department at Andrews University (trans@andrews.edu) for pick up (there is a charge).
After your arrival at Andrews University, please come to the International Student Services Office in the Campus Center. We must make copies of your immigration documents (and your family's, if applicable).
You will need to attend a required International Student Orientation that introduces you to important immigration rules and regulations, as well as to the different services that Andrews University offers. Subsequently, we will be able to report to SEVIS (the government system) that you have arrived and are in legal status. [Back to top]