Preparing to travel to the United States on a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is an exciting step toward professional development and cultural exploration. To ensure a smooth arrival and successful program start, it’s important to be well-prepared. Here is a comprehensive J-1 Pre-Arrival Checklist to help you get organized before you depart for the U.S.
- Your Form DS-2019, also known as the Certificate of Eligibility, is the most critical document for your visa and program participation.
- Make sure all information is accurate (name, dates, host organization).
- Sign the DS-2019 form as the J-1 participant.
- Keep it with you during travel — do not pack it in checked luggage.
- Valid Passport: it is very important that you use your name exactly as it appears in your passport for all U.S. document.
- Signed Training/Internship Placement Plan (Form 7002)
- Visa Stamp in your passport (with the exception of Canadian Citizens).
- Health Insurance: it is mandatory for all J-1 visitors and their accompanying J-1 dependents to have health insurance coverage.
- Funds in U.S. dollars to cover costs of your initial expenses.
- Housing arrangements or short term housing reservation.
- Check the weather of your destination and pack season appropriate clothes as weather can vary significantly in the U.S.
- Review and read our pre-arrival presentation and participants handbook to make sure you are knowledgeable and familiar with your program and all rules and regulations to adhere to.
J-1 Visa Travel Advisory: Social Media Vetting & Entry Guidelines
As part of updated U.S. visa screening procedures, J-1 Exchange Visitors—including Interns, Trainees, and Specialists—are advised to be aware of increased attention to social media activity during the visa application process and at the time of entry into the United States.
The U.S. Department of State and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) now routinely review public social media profiles as part of security screening. This applies to all new and returning J-1 visa applicants.
Consular and border officials may examine:
- Your public posts, likes, shares, and comments
- Content on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn
- Photos, videos, and messages that may reflect political views, affiliations, or actions inconsistent with U.S. law or the spirit of cultural exchange
This screening is conducted under the guidance of Executive Order 14188, which reinforces the protection of U.S. communities against threats and promotes respectful cultural exchange.
You might want to save and /or print this list and have it handy for your convenience!
