Embassy of the United States Bamako, Mali

The exchange visitor (J) nonimmigrant visa category is provided for persons who are approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the U.S., under provisions of U.S. immigration law. This means that before you can apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a J visa, you must first apply, meet the requirements, and be accepted for one of the Exchange Visitor Program categories through a designated sponsoring organization.

Visit the Exchange Visitor Program, administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), to learn more about program requirements, regulations and much more.

Questions regarding an exchange program(s) should be directed to the program sponsor.

Application Procedures

• The first step for a prospective nonimmigrant exchange visitor is to be accepted in an established exchange visitor program that is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified .
• Pay the Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee of $160 at any Banque Internationale pour le Mali (BIM). BIM receipt must be presented at the interview.  (Unless on a program paid for by the U.S. or Malian government.)
• Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160.
• Make an appointment online
• On the day of the interview, arrive at the Consular Section of the Embassy 30 minutes before your interview time.  Please plan on spending up to 3 to 5 hours at the Embassy.
• Bring all required documentation and additional documentation with you to the interview. 

Please note:  appointments can only be made 2 weeks in advance. 

If there are no appointments, available, please try back another time.  Individuals with urgent situations may request an expedited visa appointment. 

Required Documentation & Application Fees

When applying, each visa applicant must submit to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate these forms and documentation, as explained below:

• DS-160 confirmation sheet (this is obtained after completing and submitting the form)
• A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States
• One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements.
• BIM receipt showing payment of the NIV application fee.  (If required)
• The SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.
• DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.
• Form DS-7002, A Training/Internship Placement Plan.  (If required)

In addition to all of the documentation requirements explained above, the following original documentation is also suggested. 

• Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended (including high school);
• Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.;
• Financial evidence (such as bank statements) that shows you or your sponsor has sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study.  (If required)
• If you have a sponsor, provide a letter from the sponsor indicating they will cover all your costs while in the U.S.

Additional Documentation

Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly classifiable as visitors under U.S. law by:

• Evidence which shows the purpose of the trip, intent to depart the United States, and arrangements made to cover the costs of the trip may be provided. It is impossible to specify the exact form the documentation should take since applicants' circumstances vary greatly.
• Those applicants who do not have sufficient funds to support themselves while in the U.S. must present convincing evidence that an interested person will provide support.
• Evidence to show that the applicant has a residence abroad to which he/she intends to return at the end of the stay in the U.S. This is generally established by evidence of family, professional, property, employment or other ties and commitments to some country other than the U.S. sufficient to cause the applicant to return there at the conclusion of his/her stay.

Do not have supporting documentation faxed, e-mailed, or sent to the Embassy; it will be thrown away. Bring all supporting documentation with you for the interview.

Family Members Following to Join the Exchange Visitor

The spouse and children can also apply for visas after the principal applicant has already traveled.

Family members of the principle applicant must present the following at their interview:

• Form DS 2019, SEVIS generated, and approved by the sponsor
• Proof that the principal applicant (the person who received the DS-2019 or IAP-66) is maintaining his/her J visa status
• Copy of the J-1's (principal applicant's) visa
• Proof of relationship to the principal applicant
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses in the U.S.
• The confirmation sheet of the DS-160 form (this is obtained after completing and submitting the form)
• A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States
• One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements.
• Pay the Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee of $160 at any Banque Internationale pour le Mali (BIM).  BIM receipt must be presented at the interview.  (If required)

Spouses and children of exchange visitors may not enter the U.S. before the primary exchange visitor enters for the first time.