How to Apply – Prospective International Visitors
Thank you for your interest in visiting the Forest Service or participating in programs sponsored by the Forest Service, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and our official partners.
The International Visitor Program (IVP) provides services to USDA units that host international visitors. After host units select participants for their programs, the IVP team provides guidance and assistance with visas and other services. Visitors receiving official invitations will be advised to apply for either a B-1 or J-1 visa depending on the nature of their particular visit or program. International students holding F-1 visas should contact IVP staff directly to discuss training options.
Individuals interested in participating in a J-1 Exchange Program for research, observation or technical visits should explore the Forest Service and the Agricultural Research Service websites to identify areas and offices of interest. Contact these units directly to discuss individual project and program proposals. Remember to send your resume and a cover letter with a summary of your interests, objectives, proposed activities and dates. If a unit wishes to invite you to participate in a program, you and your host will work with an IVP Specialist to discuss the program, determine the appropriate visa classification, and complete the application process.
Trainee, Intern and Volunteer Applicants who have not identified a host unit can send a resume, summary of interest, and proposed program dates to the IVP Specialist responsible for Forest Service outreach. There is no guarantee of a placement, but your resume will be forwarded to prospective host units.
If you have been invited to participate in a program sponsored by the Forest Service, USDA or an official partner organization, please review the information provided on this website and complete the following steps:
[collapsed title=1. Communicate with your Program Host]
- Review program goals, activities, dates and available funding.
- Determine if it is acceptable to bring dependents (spouse or children under age 21) - sufficient funding, accommodations and insurance are required
[/collapsed]
[collapsed title=2. Review the Following]
[/collapsed]
[collapsed title=3. Complete and Return to the Host Unit]
Once you and your host have decided to proceed, contact an IVP Specialist to start the application process. You will likely need:
- International Visitor Application & Information Sheet
- ARS230 Non-Citizen Data Sheet (required for security checks)
- Resume
- Copies of Degrees or Transcripts (Students, Research Scholars, Short-Term Scholars) or proof of employment
- Copy of Biodata pages of Passport
- Copy of any prior J-1Visas in Passport
- Proof of outside or personal funding, if any, that will be used to support the program
- Copies of all documents for any dependents who will accompany you
[/collapsed]
[collapsed title=4. IVP Specialist Review & Processing]
An IVP Specialist will review the proposed activities, budget, services to be provided and your professional and immigration history to see that the J-1 visa is appropriate. All proposed activities, services and visitor’s profile must fit the approved program categories and criteria for participation in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program as established by the Forest Service and U.S. Department of State. The program activity must be clearly linked to the goals and approved activities of the Forest Service which promote international exchange and the proposed funding must be adequate.
[/collapsed]
[collapsed title=5. Security Check]
Prospective J-1 Exchange Visitors are subject to a mandatory security check. Form ARS-230 is submitted to initiate a background and security check on prospective J-1 Exchange Visitors sponsored by the Forest Service and all other agencies within the Department of Agriculture.
[/collapsed]
[collapsed title=6. Issuance of DS-2019]
Once the program activities are approved and the security check is complete, the IVP Coordinator, who serves as the Responsible Officer (RO), or an IVP Specialist, who serves as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, will issue a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status - Form DS-2019. This form is then mailed to you via an express mail service. The original signed copy of this form is required for your visa application.
[/collapsed]
[collapsed title=7. Receive Official Invitation, DS-2019 & Pre-Arrival Information]
The IVP team will forward the following documents to you.
- Official Invitation Letter
- Form DS-2019
- IVP Orientation Handbook
[/collapsed]
[collapsed title=8. Apply for Visa]
Follow the instructions provided by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your country. Immigration and consular officials carefully scrutinize a visa applicant’s intentions. The burden is on the visa applicant to prove strong ties to his/her home country and intent to return home. Without proof, an applicant will be denied a visa as it is assumed s/he has intent to stay in the USA or “immigrate.”
The consular officer will evaluate the documents submitted, conduct an interview, and determine if the applicant is eligible for a J-1 visa and whether s/he would be subject to the 2-year home country physical presence requirement. The officer will verify that the DS-2019 was issued through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). They will also review funding, English language ability, residency, and future plans, and begin a security check. If eligible, the officer will sign and return the DS-2019 and issue a J-1 visa. (Please note that payment of the SEVIS fee is waived for J-1 visitors on government-sponsored programs.)
[/collapsed]
[collapsed title=9. Health Insurance & Debit Cards]
All J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to have health and emergency evacuation insurance meeting the U.S. Department of State minimum coverage requirements. If your insurance is provided by IVP, your card and policy information will be emailed to you upon arrival. If other services are to be provided to you, such as transportation or maintenance allowances, a debit card will be mailed to your host. You will be given the card and asked to sign a receipt for it when you arrive.
[/collapsed]
[collapsed title=10. Prepare for Travel and Arrival]
Communicate with your host unit to confirm your travel plans. Make certain you have all required documents (DS-2019, passport, etc.) with you in your carry-on luggage. Also, make sure you have emergency telephone numbers. More detailed instructions are provided in the pre-arrival handbook sent with your DS-2019 Form.
[/collapsed]
[collapsed title=11. Mandatory Check-In – Program Validation - Orientation]
- Within 48 hours of arrival send the following items to your IVP Specialist by email:
- Copy of Stamped DS-2019
- Copy of visa and entry stamps
- Copy of I-94 form printed from www.cbp.gov\i94
- Residential Address
- Verification of Health Insurance meeting the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program requirements
- Your host will provide you with an office orientation to the area/office.
- Sign up to attend the monthly IVP Orientation Webinar held the first Thursday of each month. Email invitations are sent out 1 week in advance. Contact your IVP Specialist for more information.
- Review the online orientation materials during your first week at your program site.
[/collapsed]
[collapsed title=12. Program Progress/Completion]
Your host unit is responsible for collecting progress or program completion reports and notifying your IVP Specialist of your departure. If you and your host wish to change or extend your program in any way, your host must contact your IVP Specialist directly.
[/collapsed]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a visa in a country where I do not have legal permanent residence?
- One may also apply for a visa in another consular jurisdiction where you are “physically present”, but only if that country has agreed to process visa applications for “third country nationals” (TCNs). The majority of consular officers do accept applications from TCNs; nevertheless, it may be more difficult or time consuming than applying from your home country. If a visitor is already in the US with a visa classification other than J-1, the person wishing to hold a J-1 visa must apply for a change of status, or consider departing the country and re-entering. See the section on “Change of Status” for more information.
Do I have to pay a SEVIS fee?
- J-1 Exchange Visitors sponsored by the US Forest Service International Programs are exempt from paying a SEVIS fee as they are applying for a government sponsored program. This is indicated by the program number, which begins with G-3. This is further clarified on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement website
How long do security checks take?
- Prior to issuing a DS-2019, the US Forest Service submits exchange visitor information for a required security clearance. Upon applying for a visa at a US Consulate abroad, the applicant may be subject to additional security checks. Please note that security and name checks can significantly delay the visa approval process anywhere from 4-12 weeks. This varies from country to country. More information can be found on U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites.
We look forward to your visit!