Here is important information on either applying for your J-1 visa or transferring your SEVIS record to Chapman.
Most important is that you regularly check your Chapman email. Once you are admitted to a J-1 program, all official emails from Chapman (including information on your specific registration date and time) will be sent to your Chapman email account.
Applying for your J-1 Visa
The following information will take you through the process of obtaining your Chapman DS-2019 and J-1 visa.
Step 1: Obtain your Chapman DS-2019
After you have submitted all required documents to your J-1 Program advisor, you will receive your DS-2019 form electronically to schedule and apply for a J-1 visa.
Step 2: Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
After you receive your Chapman DS-2019, the next step is to pay your SEVIS I-901 Fee.
- Watch the I-901 SEVIS Fee payment tutorial to learn about each step of the payment process.
- Print a copy of your SEVIS fee payment receipt and bring it to your visa interview.
Although Canadian citizens do not require a visa, they must still pay the SEVIS fee before arriving at their port of entry.
Step 3: Apply for your J-1 visa
- Visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for information about applying for an J-1 visa.
- You can also find your nearest embassy or consulate by visiting the U.S. Embassy website.
- You can read more about preparing for your visa appointment on the Study in the States visa resource page.
Step 4: Prepare for your arrival to the United States
Immigration regulations do not allow you to enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the program start date indicated on your DS-2019.
If there is some reason that you cannot arrive during that time period, you must contact Chapman University's Responsible Officer for the J-1 Program, Xochitl Lopez at xlopez@chapman.edu.
You will receive communication from Chapman about orientation events and move-in days (if you will be living in Chapman housing). Please be sure to check your email so you do not miss those important messages.
Transferring your SEVIS to Chapman from another J-1 Program
If you are already in the United States on J-1 status, you can maintain the valid J-1 visa status through the SEVIS transfer process.
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program allows participants to transfer between two J-1 programs (i.e. two different universities or research institutions. The process outlined below is for J-1’s who are transferring their J-1 program to Chapman University.
Transfer must occur within the maximum duration of participation allowed by the current program and transfer may only occur within the same J-1 category (i.e. J-1 Research Scholar to J-1 Research Scholar, Degree Student).
- Transfer must occur while the J-1 program is in “Active” status. Transfers are not possible during the J-1 grace period or after the J-1 program has already ended.
- An exchange visitor who is deemed ineligible for transfer for any reason may not be transferred.
- Your current school will need to plan the transfer date with Chapman and receive clearance from both the transfer out school and Chapman University.
- Please consult with Chapman University’s J-1 Responsible Officer, Xochitl Lopez at xlopez@chapman.edu to assist with the transfer plan and process.
The exchange visitor must maintain J-1 status throughout the transfer process including valid health insurance. Chapman will not have access to the J-1 record and cannot issue a new DS-2019 form until the date of transfer.
International Student Services provides general guidance. Any advice provided to you by the ISS should not be construed as legal advice.
Additionally, due to the fluid nature of governmental interpretation, government agencies such as USCIS/ICE/CBP may change their interpretation of immigration laws/regulations and eligibility requirements for benefits at any time. We will do our best to provide the most current guidance.
Each case is fact-specific and it is advised that you contact an experienced immigration attorney if you have questions regarding your situation.