How does a person become a J-1 exchange visitor (scholar)?
The department at University of Michigan wishing to host the person requests a Form DS-2019 from International Center by submitting a DS-2019 request form. A designated departmental administrative contact person enters DS-2019 information in M-Pathways. The International Center transmits this information to the Department of Homeland Security SEVIS database, thereby generating the Form DS-2019, which is returned to the hosting department who mails the DS-2019 to the Exchange Visitor. A $100 SEVIS I-901 fee must be paid and then the scholar should go to an appointment at the U.S. consulate for the J-1 visa. The Exchange Visitor applies for J-1 visa (another fee is required, at least $100) at the consulate. When the visa is approved the Exchange Visitor can enter the U.S. with the DS-2019 and J-1 visa up to one month before the start date of the DS-2019. When the Exchange Visitor has arrived to the U.S., he/she must attend J-1 check-in program at the International Center and enroll in ma
