The first thing you have to do is communicate with the exchange organization and request a DS-2019 form. You cannot apply for an Exchange Visitor visa without the DS-2019 form. If you have received the DS-2019 form, you can apply for a J1 visa at the Consular Section whenever you wish to do so, before the beginning of your academic program. In general, J1 visa holders are allowed to enter the United States 30 days before the beginning of their program and stay up to 30 days after they completed such program.

You need to pay the SEVIS fee before you go to your interview at the Consular Section. Your visa will NOT be approved without you paying the SEVIS fee.

Visa J2 (Spouse and minor children of the J1 visa holder):

The spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for a J2 visa to accompany the J1 visa holder to the United States, unless the family members are entering the United States for another purpose and then need a different type of visa.

Visa applications for family members should be submitted to the Consular Section at the same time as the principal applicant submits his/her application. The school will register the principal applicant’s name in the SEVIS system, as well as the names of any family members who plan to travel with him/her in order to generate the necessary DS-2019 forms. Each family member must receive their own DS-2019.

• Family members are generally not allowed to work in the United States;
• Children with a derivative J2 visas may attend either public or private schools.

  Requirements:

1. Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of English to allow the pursuit of the intended studies or, alternately, prove that the school will offer sufficient language training to permit you to pursue the intended studies;

2. Prove access to sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in the United States;

3. Show satisfactory evidence of having a permanent residence outside the United States and that you have binding ties with Uruguay, that will compel you to leave the United States after your studies are completed.

  Documentation:

1. DS-2019 form, generated by the SEVIS system. This form must be completed and signed by the appropriate official of the exchange organization;

2. Academic transcripts or evidence of other qualifications, as required by the exchange organization;

3. Applicants 16 years old and older only: A completed form DS-158, which covers contact information and work history;

4. Principal applicant only: Proof of payment of the SEVIS fee.

5. Derivative applicant(s) only:
   a. If the principal applicant is not applying at the same time: a copy of the principal applicant’s documents: copy of the principal applicant’s J1 visa and a letter from the exchange organization stating that the applicant is currently participating in the program;
   b. Proof of relationship, such as a birth or marriage certificates.

6. General Application Documents

Important Notes:

• The SEVIS number on your DS-2019 form and the one annotated on your visa must be identical. If your SEVIS number changes at any time, you must apply for a new Exchange Visitor Visa with your new DS-2019 form;

• University medical students do not need an exchange visitor visa in order to carry out “voluntary clerkships” at a United States university hospital without remuneration from the hospital. They may apply for a visitor visa. This does not apply to graduate medical students who need a J visa;

• If you are enrolled in a language course (up to 18 hours a week) while you are on vacation in the United States, you can qualify for a visitor visa. You should ask the school if the program you’re enrolled in requires you to apply for a Student Visa or not.

The two-year residence abroad requirement, Section 212(e):

Foreign nationals entering the United States under an Exchange Visitor Program are subject to the residence abroad requirement if they’ve:

1. Received United States or foreign government financing for any part of their studies or training in the United States;
2. Studied or trained in a field deemed of importance to their home country such as those on the "skills list" maintained by the agency in consultation with foreign governments;
3. Entered the United States to pursue post-graduate medical education or training.

An exchange visitor who is subject to Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, is not eligible for an H, L, or non-immigrant fiancé (e) (K) visa, or legal permanent resident status until their return home requirement is fulfilled or waived.

If you are subject to the two-year requirement, it will be marked on your DS-2019 form as well as on your visa.