Turnaround time at the American Consulate

We will send you an email with your DS-2019 number and embassy appointment instructions shortly after your application is approved by CIEE.

All J-1 visa applicants need to schedule an interview with a consular officer at their local U.S. Embassy. The DS-2019 number is mandatory to schedule this appointment.

All appointment scheduling is done via the consulate’s online portal: USA Visa and you must be in possession of your original DS-2019 and SEVIS receipt the day of your interview.

Appointment wait times and reception of your visa

The appointment wait times vary very much depending on the location and time of year; it can take from a few days to a few weeks for an interview slot. You should expect longer wait times between end of April to end of July and then during the end-of-year holiday season. You can check the current wait times for the city of your choice on the official website of U.S. Consular Affairs.

Once you validate a specific date and time, you will have several options for changing/advancing your appointment through the consulate website or phone system, depending on availabilities.

You can expect to receive your visa within 2 to 5 days following your interview, but note that in rare cases, additional background checks might be required which could take up to several weeks. Your Visa will be sent to you by post after the interview.

For further information, please consult your local embassy’s website.

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