Applying for a J-1 Visa
J-1 Exchange Student Visa
All exchange students who plan to study abroad at Saint Mary's are required to obtain a J-1 exchange student visa. Once accepted to Saint Mary's, the Center for International Programs will send all of the necessary visa documents and detailed instructions for students to apply for the visa.
As part of the Exchange Student Program application, exchange students must submit financial documentation, such as bank statements or letters, proving that they can financially support themselves for the duration of their studies at Saint Mary's. Students who are studying with us for the full academic year will need to provide proof of financial support in the amount of $32,000 USD. Students who are studying with us for one semester will need to show proof of $16,000 USD. Financial documents must be dated within the last six months, printed on official bank letterhead, and in English or easily understood with a clear numerical balance. Bank statements can come from the student or the student's family or friend.
How to Apply for a J-1 Visa
Applying for a J-1 visa can take a few weeks or months. For this reason, it is recommended that you begin the visa application process as soon as possible to ensure that you have all the necessary documents to arrive in the U.S. before the beginning of your classes.
Getting a DS-2019 from Saint Mary's College
In order to apply for a J-1 visitor visa for exchange students, you will need to first get a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status Form DS-2019. The DS-2019 proves that you were officially admitted to Saint Mary's and that you can financially cover the cost of your exchange program. You must have a DS-2019 in order to apply for the J-1 visa.
Exchange students who are nominated by their home institution and who are accepted to study abroad at Saint Mary's will need to upload the required documents for a DS-2019 to the Saint Mary's College of California Exchange Student Program application. The Center for International Programs will review all submitted documents and issue a DS-2019. Detailed instructions on how to apply for the J-1 visa will be sent with the DS-2019 via email to exchange students. The Center for International Programs will provide support throughout the visa application process.
Required Documents for a DS-2019
- Copy of current, valid passport
- Financial documents
- Bank statement or letter from a bank
- Scholarship information, if applicable
The J-1 Visa & Medical Insurance Requirement
The U.S. government requires all J-1 Exchange Visitors, including exchange students, to have adequate U.S.-based medical insurance for the duration of their academic program in the U.S. All exchange students will be automatically enrolled in the UnitedHealthcare medical insurance policy that Saint Mary's offers to students, regardless of their existing medical insurance coverage in their home country. The UnitedHealthcare plan covers sickness and injury, but will not cover dental or vision.
Exchange students will be enrolled in and billed for the UnitedHealthcare insurance plan automatically. Students who are studying at Saint Mary's for a full academic year will be billed for the total insurance cost on their first bill.