You’ve got your summer job, you’ve got your documents in, and now it’s time to complete the next stage of your journey to America. The J1 Visa appointment. It can be daunting and confusing, but we’re the J1 Visa pros and ready to help you out. From DS-160’s to SEVIS receipts, here’s the survival guide on how to ace your J1 Visa appointment!
You’ve probably heard the term J1 Visa and wondered what a J1 actually is. To keep it real simple, the J1 Visa is a cultural exchange Visa, supporting visitors who are taking part in cultural exchange programs like Summer Camp. Without this, you can’t go and work in America. Once you’ve got your visa, you’ll be ready to set off to the States for the best summer!
When you go to book your appointment, there will be different steps to be completed. Don’t worry, we’ve created a step by step guides that’ll walk you through everything you need to know. These will be on your profile once you have received your DS-2019 form from us so keep an eye out for these and make sure you follow them!
When you first go into the embassy, you will be asked to sit in the waiting room until your number to be called. You will go up to the first window where the staff will check your documents and check your DS-160 application. After this, you will then move onto the next stage of the visa process. The next window will be where they ask questions about you and your job in America. Be clear, honest, and friendly and you’ll be absolutely fine. There might be a lot of waiting, but it’s so worth it in the end!
Make your trip to the American embassy stress-free and get there early. If you aim to get there at least 15 minutes before your appointment, you will be first in line and ready to ace your appointment and get your J1 Visa. Whether you’re going to Dublin, London or Belfast, have your travel plans sorted. If that’s a flight, train or bus, make sure you have it booked in advance to save yourself money and stress. If you’re going to Belfast for your appointment, make sure you book with an airline that allows you to travel back with another piece of ID as the embassy will take your passport. You don’t want to get stuck in Belfast with no way of getting back home.
The J1 Visa appointment can sound very serious and formal, but they aren’t! You don’t need to stress smart for the appointment. Just make sure you aren’t wearing trackies and look presentable for your interview with the embassy.
We recommend taking as limited baggage as you can. Before you enter the embassy, you will be asked to go through airport-style security where they check your bag and ask you to go through a scanner. We’ve had applicants in the past have aerosols, food and even nail clippers taken away from them so make sure to take this into consideration when planning your trip to the embassy.
It’s totally normal to feel nervous about your appointment. With all the paperwork and booking of appointments, it can be seriously overwhelming, but don’t worry. You’re going to ace the appointment and rock out with your approved visa. Get ready for the summer of a lifetime.