Welcome to the J-1 Visa News page of the ICDP Department of the French-American Chamber of Commerce. 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 the 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 Visa Application Fee - All J-1 visa applicants must pay an
application fee of 89.08 Euros ($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 at www.fmjfee.com. All J-1 visa applicants must pay both fees prior to their embassy interview appointment.

2. 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.

3. New Visa Appointment System - The American Embassy in Paris has instituted a new online visa appointment service. This service is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week; a fee of $14.00 (in Euros) is charged, which permits 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. Persons who whish to speak to 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. to 5:00 p.m. Note that all candidates must have a credit card, passport, and Form DS-2019 serial number in hand at the time of the call. The cost of each call to the above number is €14.50.

4. Visa Applicant Forms - As of Monday, April 3, 2006, the U.S. Embassy will accept only the completed on-line application forms (DS-156 and DS-158). Handwritten or typed application forms can no longer be accepted after that date. Please note that Form DS-157 is also required of male applicants.

5. ICDP Contact Information –

International Career Development Programs
122 East 42nd Street, Suite 2015
New York, NY 10168

Christopher Gallagher, Deputy Director: 212-867-0205
Joannah Bell, Associate: 212-867-2069
Bita Diomandé, Associate: 212-867-3603
ICDP Department Fax: 212-867-9050

6. SEVIS Fee – As of September 1, 2004 any J-1 visa applicant must pay a $100 non-refundable fee which will be used to fund and maintain the new SEVIS registration system. J-1 visa applicants must pay this fee at least three (3) days prior to the interview date at the U.S. embassy. Please note that this SEVIS Fee is separate from the visa processing fee which is currently set at €100 in local currency by the U.S. embassy. The SEVIS Fee can be paid on-line with a credit card at www.fmjfee.com . For more information on the general J-1 visa application process, please see the website of the U.S. embassy in Paris at http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/niv/appointments/default.htm