|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
What You Should Know About Your Visa
How
long can I stay in the United States on my J-1 Visa?
The white card (I-94) stapled into your passport by the United States
immigration officer states the length of time you are allowed to stay in the USA. In most cases it will be marked “D/S.” This stands for “Duration of Stay.” It means that you can stay
until the expiration date on your DS-2019 form plus 30 days for travel. During the 30-day travel period, you may be a tourist in the United States, but you may not work. If you leave the
United States during the 30-day travel period, you cannot be re-admitted on your J-1 Visa. If you wish to stay beyond the date 30 days after the expiration of your DS-2019 form, you must
leave the country and reenter on another visa (tourist, student, etc.). THE INTERNATIONAL YMCA STAFF IS NOT ABLE TO HELP YOU WITH THIS PROCESS.
Can I travel in
the United States before beginning my program? Your J-1 visa has been issued for you to participate in a designated camp counselor or work/travel program. The International YMCA issues the DS-2019 form to begin approximately five days before the start of your work to accommodate international air-line schedules. The end date on your DS-2019 form is the maxi-mum length of stay allowed under United States government regulations. If you choose to travel during the 30-day period which follows the end date on your DS-2019 form, you will need to arrange for sickness and accident insurance coverage. Keep in mind that over-staying your J-1 Visa—that is, staying in the United States longer than the 30 days which follow the end date on your DS-2019 form—can prevent you from receiving future United States visa or immigration status.
What if I lose my DS-2019 Form?
You must have your DS-2019 form for your visa to be valid. If you lose your copy,
you may have to change your travel plans. The International YMCA charges $50 to replace DS-2019 forms. To have an DS-2019 form replaced, you should send a letter to your placement
director (Kalisma, or Rayda—see the “Contacts” Section) stating that you need a replacement DS-2019. The letter should explain where and when you last had your DS-2019 and
why you believe it to be lost. A check or money order for $50 must be included. You should also include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the new DS-2019 to be sent to you.
If You Already Have a J-1 Visa Even if you already have a J-1 Visa, you will need to make an appointment at the United States Consulate
to register your new DS-2019 form. Unless the stamp on your J-1 Visa matches the pro-gram designation on your DS-2019 form, you will not be allowed into the United States. |
|||
|
|
