If you are an Exchange Visitor outside of the U.S., first you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Exchange Visitors already in the U.S. who have their SEVIS records transferred to Rowan University do not have to repay the fee.  

You must pay the SEVIS fee prior to visiting the U.S. embassy. 

To pay the fee, go to fmjfee.com. We recommend that you watch the included video tutorial here. The tutorial will guide you through each step of the I-901 SEVIS fee payment process.

Please note:

• The I-901 SEVIS fee is different from the visa application fee
• You must pay the fee in order to come to the U.S.
• You must print the payment confirmation receipt for your visa interview and to enter the U.S. – digital copies are not sufficient
• The SEVIS ID on the receipt must always match the SEVIS ID on your most current DS-2019
• If there is a discrepancy, please email sevis@ice.dhs.gov to confirm if you have to repay the fee
• You must have a Rowan University DS-2019 to complete the I-901. Be sure to enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your most recent DS-2019!
• You must enter the Rowan University program number to complete the I-901 – the correct program number can be found on your DS-2019

After you pay the SEVIS fee, you must submit a completed DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application to apply for a J-1 visa. For more information on the categories of the J-1 visa, click here.

You should have your passport and SEVIS ID available while completing the DS-160.

All answers must be in English, using English characters only, with the exception of providing your full name in your native alphabet. If you submit your application in any language other than English, it will be denied, and you may be required to submit a new application.

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions for further details on the DS-160 process.

Reminder After you have completed the DS-160, you will need to print out the DS-160 barcode page. Keep this with your DS-2019 and other important documents for your visa appointment. 

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview as soon as possible at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. For a list of embassies or consulates, click here.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait times for the location where you will apply at here.

Pay the non-refundable visa application fee if you are required to pay it before your interview. The fee is subject to change, but the most up-to-date information can be found here. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. See if your country is required to pay a visa issuance fee at this website.

Visa Interview Document Checklist:

• Valid passport
• DS-2019, signed by you at the bottom of page 1
• Rowan University acceptance letter or offer letter
• Documentation showing financial support
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
• DS-160 barcode page
• A passport-style photo (review photo requirements)
• Completed DS-7002 training plan (for student interns ONLY)

Notes:

• Additional documentation may be requested. Carefully read the information found on the U.S. Department of State website to prepare yourself for your visa interview appointment.
• Be sure to present the original documents, not copies.
• To better prepare for your visa interview, please read through “10 Points to Remember When Applying for a US Visa” prepared by NAFSA.

Please keep the International Center updated on the status of your visa appointment.

Please reach out to the International Center and keep us updated on the results of your visa appointment!

If you are approved, please proceed to our Pre-Arrival Information page linked below for all your next steps.

Pre-Arrival Information for Exchange Visitors