Welcome to the J-1 visa news page of the ICDP Department. The contents of this page are sourced from the French-American Chamber of Commerce in New York. On this page you will find the latest information on J-1 visa policies and procedures, and any news from the U.S. Embassy in Paris, as well as from the U.S. State Department and Department of Homeland Security that may impact visa issues and immigration. Please bookmark this page and check regularly for updates to stay informed on what is happening in the world of J-1 visas.

1. New SEVIS Fee - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has increased the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee from $100 to $180. This fee increase took effect on October 27th, 2008. The SEVIS fee is mandated by law and has been in effect since September 1st, 2004. All J-1 Trainees and Interns pay this fee to the U.S. government via the website http://www.fmjfee.com/ after they have been issued a SEVIS Form DS-2019. Using the required Form I-901, candidates must present proof of SEVIS fee payment at their visa interview at the American Embassy in Paris.

2. New Visa Application Fee - All J-1 visa applicants must pay an application fee of €98.25 ($131) by mandat-compte on account No. 2006L. A mandat-compte is obtained at any French Post office (La Poste) by payment of the proper amount in cash only. This fee is separate from, and in addition too, the SEVIS fee, which is payable online as described above. All J-1 visa applicants must pay both fees prior to their embassy interview appointment.

3. Employment Not Allowed - FACC programs fall within the J-1 Trainee and Intern visa categories. These visas must be used for eligible training or internship programs only, and not for work. Under no circumstances should a J-1 Trainee or Intern visa be used in lieu of a work visa or to fill a position that could be occupied by a regular employee; nor should it be used as a stepping stone to another category of visa. Applications that we interpret as work will be rejected. Please read the attached memorandum concerning this regulatory requirement.

4. New J-1 Visa Regulations in Effect - On July 19th, 2007, new federal regulations governing the J-1 visa Intern and Trainee categories took effect. The new regulations contain significant changes in program operations and candidate eligibility. For additional information, please download our summary memorandum and fact sheet which outline these important changes.

5. Visa Appointment System - The American Embassy in Paris has instituted a new online visa appointment service. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week; a fee of $14.00 (USD) is charged, permitting up to five family members to schedule their visa appointment together. Please visit www.usvisa-france.com  for more information and to begin the appointment process. Interested applicants who wish to speak with a live operator may continue to call 08-10-26-46-26. The live operator service is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Note that all candidates must have a credit card, passport, and the Form DS-2019 serial number availabe at the time of the call. The cost of each call is €14.50 (EUR).

6. Visa Applicant Forms - The U.S. Embassy accepts only the completed on-line application forms (DS-156 and DS-158). Handwritten or typed application forms will no longer be accepted after that date. Please note that Form DS-157 is also required of male applicants. These forms are located at the website of the U.S. Embassy in Paris