APPLY FOR YOUR US VISA
United States Visa Application
Going to a foreign country is an exciting adventure, but there are several important steps that have to be taken. The U.S. government must approve your visa application and will want to meet with you to ensure that your participation meets program requirements and intent.
The first thing you are required to do is to complete a visa application.
Visa Process
Information about form DS-160 can be found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/forms/ds-160–online-nonimmigrant-visa-application.html. Please note that each consular office/embassy might have specific requirements.
For the list of US Embassies, please refer to : https://www.usembassy.gov/
- Passport- valid for travel to the U.S. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U.S.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Photo – Photos can be uploaded while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you are required to bring a printed photo in the format explained in the photograph requirements.
- DS-2019 Form
- Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002 (Intern/Trainee Only)
- AAG Sponsor Letter
- Additional documents might be required to establish whether you qualify for a J-1 visa. For example, additional required documents may provide evidence of:
- The purpose of your travel;
- Your intent to depart the U.S. after your program;
- Your ability to pay all travel costs; and/or
- Other documents the consular officer may request.
Some of the questions you might be asked:
- Why do you want to go to the U.S.?
- What are your qualifications?
- What are you currently doing?
- Which university do you attend or did you graduate from?
- What program are you applying to?
- When did you apply for your program?
- How much was your placement fee?
- Who is going to pay for your expenses?
- How much will you make per hour?
- Tell me about your housing in the U.S.?
- What will you be doing in the U.S.?
During your visa interview, you can also expect to get a digital fingerprint scan as part of your application.
If your visa is approved, you will be informed how your passport and visa will be returned to you. Please contact your agency in your home country to update them of the outcome of your visa appointment.
If your visa is approved, congratulations! Please let us know by logging into the AAG Website and confirming you have a U.S. visa at: www.allianceabroad.com/arrival.
J-1 Visa Appointment
Passport and Visa Appointment
It is very important that you have a valid passport before scheduling your visa appointment. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the day that you begin your U.S. program.
Intern/Trainee and Teach Program Participants
If you passport will expire during your program in the U.S., you must contact the embassy of your country in the U.S. to renew your passport. You must start this process at least 2 months prior to your passport expiration date.
You cannot legally remain in the U.S. with an expired passport.
Preparing to Travel
As soon as you book and confirm your airline tickets, please provide your arrival information to AAG by submitting it online: www.allianceabroad.com/arrival
If your arrival instructions in your Job/Training Offer state that you need to notify your Host Company of your arrival in advance, please make sure to do so.
Most airlines allow passengers to bring one small and one medium piece of carry-on luggage on to the plane. Please check with your airline to confirm their carryon luggage policy. Some airlines have strict size guidelines.
Be sure to pack all important documents in your carryon luggage.
- Passport with your U.S. visa
- DS 2019 Form
- DS-2007 (Intern/Trainee Only)
- Sponsor letter
- Job Offer/Training Offer
- Housing information where you will be staying upon your arrival in the U.S.
- Participant Handbook
- Personal identification card from your country
- AAG Insurance Card
- Money (Traveler’s checks, credit cards)
- Any prescription medication
- Eye glasses (if you wear them)
- Phone and/or laptop along with any chargers
- Camera
- Headphones
- Pen (you’ll need it to fill out U.S. Customs Forms)
- Small tube of lotion and lip balm- the air on the plane is very dry
- Sweater or a jacket to keep you warm
- Snacks (please note that you will not be allowed to bring fruit, meat and nut products into the U.S.)
Please note that any liquids that you bring on the plane, must be no more than 3.4 oz (100ml) and must be placed in a clear, resealable bag. For more details, please refer to the TSA website: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule
- It is recommended that you research the weather conditions where you will be staying and pack clothes appropriate for the climate the entire time of your stay.
- If going to colder climates, bring heavy winter coat, gloves, hat, scarf, winter boots
- Pack clothes that will allow you to adapt to changing weather conditions
- Bring clothing that you can wear more than once. Layering clothes is a good way to re-wear items, but also deal with changing weather.
- Make sure you have at least one professional outfit/suit that you can wear for special occasions
- Bring any sentimental item that is important (souvenirs, books, pictures, etc)
- Additional prescription glasses/contacts (bring prescription in case you need a replacement)
- Any liquids or toiletries larger than 3.4 oz (100ml)
