The J-1 visa process

Once your sponsor issues the DS-2019, you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, complete the DS-160, pay the visa (MRV) fee, and attend your interview at the US Embassy in Kingston. Critical Jamaica-specific rule: under the Temporary Worker Security Program, the embassy refuses applications that name a recruiter NOT on the MLSS-approved list — check the list before you pay anyone a cent. The interview itself is short: the officer confirms you're a genuine full-time student who'll return for the new school year. Nobody can guarantee a visa; MLSS rules actually require registered agencies to refund the bulk of your fees on a visa denial — get the exact terms in writing.