We, at International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at the University of Maryland, are excited to welcome you to our campus community! Over the next several weeks you will receive a weekly email from our office that will answer important questions about the University, explain processes you need to complete, and prepare you for coming to UMD.
Connect with us, ask your questions via our live chat! Go to our website and Select "Chat with an Advisor" on the right-hand menu option. Live Chat is available Monday - Friday from 10:30 am -12: 30 pm EST.
Upon receiving the DS-2019 from the University of Maryland (UMD), you should schedule a visa interview with the US Embassy in your area.* J -1 visas are often issued on the same day as or within 2-3 days of the visa interview, but this can vary by consulate, so please check with your consulate to find out the appointment wait times and processing times you should expect. Be careful before scheduling travel, since these are still just estimates and sometimes unexpected delays occur.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A VISA INTERVIEW
Visa interviews take 3-5 minutes. During the interview, the consular officer will be asking you questions about your studies (i.e. "Why did you choose the University of Maryland?"). Since the J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, you might also be asked about your ties to your home country. Answer the questions clearly and simply, always telling the truth. The consular officer will be evaluating your credibility.
J-1 Visa Holders: Please note that there is extra information relevant to you if you hold a J visa. This includes:
The J-1 212(e) Requirement, in which some exchange visitors may be subject to a two-year home residency requirement. If you are subject, a 212(e) annotation will be placed on your J-1 visa stamp:
Remember, the earliest date you can arrive in the US is 30 days prior to the program start date (August 19, 2019) on your DS-2019. *
*Exception: SEVIS Transfer students may not be subject to this limitation.
More information on transportation, housing, and other planning issues will be coming to you soon in future Tip of the Week emails! Stay tuned...
You are receiving these emails because you have been accepted to the University of Maryland for the Fall 2019 semester. If you do not intend to enroll at UMD and would like to stop receiving these emails, please inform your department and the Graduate School (graduate students) or the admissions office (undergraduate students) that you decline your admission. You will also need to click the unsubscribe button below.
