Exchange Visitors

10 things you need to do…

1. Review your DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, check it for accuracy, read the information on page 2, then sign and date the bottom of the form.
2. Carefully study the on-line Handbook for UW Exchange Visitors.
3. Pay the $100 SEVIS fee, as required by federal law, prior to your visa interview (or, if you are a Canadian citizen, prior to your arrival to a U.S. port of entry). Be sure to retain the SEVIS fee payment receipt.
4. Schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S. consulate and apply for your J-1 visa. (Canadian citizens are visa-exempt.) Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for J-2 visas.
5. An insurance policy providing medical benefits for yourself and your J-2 dependents must remain in effect while you are in the United States. Many insurance companies offer policies designed for exchange visitors. Arrange for your insurance needs before you travel to the U.S. You’ll be required to submit the Statement of Compliance with the Insurance Requirements you will receive with your DS-2019, to the Internal Services Office (ISO) upon your arrival to campus.
   
   J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents must have sickness and accident insurance for the duration of the J-1’s program. Minimum coverage must provide medical benefits ($50,000 per accident or illness), a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness, expenses associated with the medical evacuation to the home country ($10,000), and repatriation of remains ($7,500). Note that most domestic health insurance policies do not include medical evacuation and repatriation insurance, and the exchange visitor may have to purchase medical evacuation and repatriation coverage separately.
   
   Many insurance companies offer policies designed for exchange visitors. One such policy that provides a comprehensive package of insurance benefits is offered by Gateway USA, and can be reviewed by visiting their website at http://www.gatewayplans.com. To review a policy that provides medical evacuation and repatriation benefits only, visit http://www.internationalsos.com/visitorusa.

6. Enter the U.S. within 30 days prior to the start date indicated in item 3 of your DS-2019. If you are unable to enter the U.S. within those 30 days, contact your sponsoring department to request and amended DS-2019 and enter using the new form.
7. No later than 30 days after the start date (item 3 on your DS-2019), visit the ISO in 459 Schmitz Hall so your arrival on campus can be reported to the government as required by law. Check-in sessions are Tuesday at 3:00, followed by a one-hour presentation of information. Bring your passport, DS-2019 and “Insurance Statement of Compliance.”
8. An orientation is provided for exchange visitors. Topics include life and customs in the U.S., cultural and social activities, community resources, health care, immigration regulations, and information about the UW. Orientations are scheduled the second Thursday of October, January, April, and July, from 1:30 to 4:30, in room 310 of the Husky Union Building (HUB).
9. Report your local address to the ISO as soon as you arrive in Seattle. Also report any change of address to the ISO within ten days of the change.
10. Be sure your DS-2019 and passport remain valid while you are in the U.S. If you need additional time to complete your research activity, contact the Internal Services Office for extension procedures.