Erasmus & Northern Ireland Students

Procedure for those studying outside of the Republic of Ireland

As you are currently studying outside of the Republic of Ireland SAYIT J1 recommends that you arrange your own US Embassy interview. At the time of booking your own Embassy interview, you will be asked to pay the embassy fee of $160. Please note that the embassy fee is subject to change.

Steps involved:

1. Receive your DS-2019 from SAYIT J1
2. Complete your DS-160 (details below)
3. Book your embassy appointment (details below)
4. Attend the embassy Interview

Please note: Not all countries have a US Embassy e.g. Scotland, so you may have to travel to the nearest US Embassy or choose to come back to Dublin to attend your appointment. If attending in Dublin processing usually takes approximately 10 working days and your passport will be held for this time. In some cases processing can be longer - SAYIT J1 or the US Embassy cannot expedite your application or be held responsible for return travel arrangements.

In order to book your US Embassy appointment you need to have the following ready:

1. Your passport details
2. Credit card ready to pay the $160 fee. 
3. DS-160 application number (see details below before starting to book your appointment)

How to book your US Embassy Interview:

1. Click on the link https://usvisa-info.com/.
2. Click on the option for ‘Temporary Visas – Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant’
3. You will be asked, “Select the Country where you will apply for a U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa”.  Choose the country in which you will be attending an Embassy appointment. If the country you are in does not appear this means they are not using the central online system. Please google ‘US Embassy of ______’ and go to the ‘Nonimmigrant Visa’ section, then there will be a section on how to book an appointment. Follow the instructions listed on that page.
4. Click on Apply (Select this option if you have never used this site before and you have completed a DS-160)
5. Click on I have completed the U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) form and I need to apply for a visa.
6. Create an account by entering your name (as per your passport) and email address and choosing a password. Click "create account"
7. A Confirmation instruction will be sent to your email. Ensure to Activate your account by clicking on the link
8. Click ‘Add Applicant’
9. Enter your details carefully. You must enter your VISA CLASS as J1 Work Exchange Visitor (e.g., teacher, intern, summer work).
10. Choose the delivery address closest to you. This is where you will collect your passport from after your visa is processed.
11. Make payment for your appointment using a credit card.
12. Schedule your appointment.
13. Print your embassy appointment confirmation.
14. In your J1 account under Step 3 enter your embassy date and time.
15. Attend your Embassy appointment.
16. Email j1embassy@sayit.ie once you receive your passport back from the embassy.

How do I do my DS-160?

Go to Track your Application Step 2 to access the "DS-160 form". All the instructions on how to complete your form including the link will be here.

You should begin your DS-160 once you receive your Embassy pack from SAYIT J1. Once you receive your Embassy pack you will find your SEVIS number on the top right of your DS-2019 form, it starts with an N). You will need this in order to complete your DS-160. You can also find your SEVIS number in your J1 Account under the tab ‘Track Your Application’. Step 2. Once complete print your DS-160 Confirmation page.

Important: Please also take note of your security question and the answer to your security question in order to access your form again.

When can you do your DS-160?

• As soon as you receive your Embassy pack in the post.
• Completing your DS-160 will allow you to book an embassy appointment.
• You cannot complete your DS-160 without your SEVIS number which is the number on your DS-2019 beginning with N.
• You must save your DS-160 application so you can access it later.
• Complete and print your DS-160 confirmation at least 5 days before their Embassy apt. Use the option to email this confirmation to yourself in case you need to print it again.

What do I need for my Embassy Interview?

After you have booked your US Embassy appointment you will be emailed with instructions on what you need to bring with you.

• DS 2019 – You will receive this by post from SAYIT J1. At the bottom of the DS form, you must sign and date it in blue ink (MM-DD-YYYY) and include the place of signing, i.e. Belfast, Paris
• The DS-160 Confirmation Letter received once your DS-160 is complete.
• Your valid passport
• Your SEVIS receipt https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.jsp
• One colour photograph. It must be less than 6 months old, 2 inches square (50mm x 50mm). Note: No glasses should be worn for this picture.

What happens after the embassy interview?

Embassy processing times vary, please refer to the embassy you are attending for average processing times.
Once processed your passport will be sent to the depot you choose when you make your appointment or posted to you, depending on which embassy you attend.

If you have any queries on the above please contact us at j1embassy@sayit.ie