VISIT Program Application Timeline
Estimated time to obtain J-1 visa: 3-9 months
UW Department
The complete set of application materials which includes the VISIT online application, the J Visa Supplemental Request form with signatures, copy of applicant passport, CV/resume, financial documentation, proof of English proficiency, and DS-7002 form with signatures must be received by the VISIT team no later than 12 weeks (3 months) before the student’s start date. Plan the start date carefully. The student cannot enter the US after the start date, and they MUST start their program on the start date (a weekday).
Student
Why 12 weeks? This is to allow sufficient time for the VISIT team to review the application and for the DS-2019 form to be generated. Most importantly, it allows adequate time for the student to attend an appointment at the US Consulate in their home country to obtain their J-1 visa. Depending on the country, it can typically take 3–12 weeks for the student to obtain their J-1 visa and make travel and housing arrangements in Seattle.
Changing a Start Date
If the student needs to change the start date, an amended DS-2019 is required. Any request for an amended DS-2019 must be emailed to uwvisit@uw.edu as soon as possible before the program start date or at least 3 weeks before the proposed new start, whichever comes first. Please note that if the student has received their visa, they do NOT need to schedule another visa appointment if they request an amended DS-2019.
Key Players in the VISIT Application Process
Student Intern
The J-1 exchange visitor category for a UW VISIT participant. To be eligible, student interns must be working on a degree in their home country at the time of their VISIT internship and must return home to complete that degree following their internship.
UW Host Supervisor
UW faculty member who is supervising the student.
Department Contact (DC)
The individual within the UW host department who works with the prospective VISIT participant and the supervisor to complete the application process.
VISIT Team
Oversees the VISIT program and visa compliance for program participants. The VISIT office issues the DS-2019 and is the go-to source for immigration questions related to students’ J-1 visas, the VISIT program application process, logistical questions, etc.
Application Steps
| Application Step | Approx. Time |
|---|---|
| All applicants must provide proof of English proficiency, so students must factor in the time to ensure completion of the English proficiency requirement. | Varies |
| 1. International student contacts a UW professor. Professor agrees to become the student’s UW host supervisor. | 2-6 weeks |
| 2. Student and supervisor agree on internship goals that meet the purpose of the VISIT program as a cultural exchange, within an American academic research context, that benefits the student. | 2-6 weeks |
| 3. Supervisor or Department Contact (DC) downloads VISIT J-Visa Supplemental Request Form and DS-7002 (VISIT only) from the VISIT Canvas site for departments. | 1 day |
| 4. Supervisor, DC, and student complete J-Visa Supplemental Request Form and DS-7002 | 2-6 weeks |
| 5. DC provides online application link (from the VISIT Canvas site for departments) to student. | 1 day |
| 6. Student completes online application. | 1-2 weeks |
| 7. After student submits the online application, DC is notified to complete their portion of the online application, including uploading the J-Visa Supplemental Request Form and DS-7002 at least 12 weeks before the proposed start date. | 1-2 weeks |
| 8. VISIT team is notified of application received and carefully reviews the application packet and processes the DS-2019. | 2 weeks |
| 9. VISIT team emails DS-2019, DS-7002 for VISIT students, and additional information to student, DC, and supervisor. | 1 day |
| 10. Upon receipt of DS-2019 form, student applies for a visa and makes a visa appointment with the US Consulate in their home country (fees apply). | 2-60+ days |
| 11. Following visa appointment, US Consulate issues J-1 visa. Time varies by country depending on administrative processing requirements. | 1-10 weeks |
| VISIT students can enter the US up to 30 days before their internship start date (as shown on the DS-2019). This provides time for students to travel to Seattle, find housing, and settle into their new surroundings. Students must begin their internship on their start date (not early and not late) and are not allowed to continue their internship after their end date. | Up to 30 days |