> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://heronyang.gitbook.io/cmu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://heronyang.gitbook.io/cmu/00_ready/03_visa.md).

# VISA Application

![](https://185937114-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4CT8Wn5AEaGX0IgFvw%2F-M4CT8v4c4udK9NakB7g%2F-M4CTGK_SDmNS4EFVS5m%2Fvisa.jpg?generation=1586142730368818\&alt=media)

Getting the exchange student visa, J-1, requires a very complex and long process, which is because that American Government is being super strict on their national security things. Last time I worked on U.S visa application is for the trip to Stanford, and this would be my second time. Here, I am writing down the steps:

* DS-2019: received from the exchange school (CMU) via UPS
* I-901: pay the SEVIS fee for exchange program (visa card acceptable)
* DS-160: fill out a super long form, including education/working experience, previous trips, etc
* MRV fee: pay for the cost of this application process
* Reserve an appointment at AIT
* Go to AIT for the appointment
* Wait for J-1 visa

Since I can only reserve an appointment after the second day of MRRV fee payment, I am now at the step 4. More, J-1 visa is for exchange programs, and F-1, which I used for Stanford summer college, is for general international students. And, J-1 is having more limits than F-1, which only allows me to stay 30 days after it expires.

*River Bank @ Xindian, Taiwan. December 6, 2014*