When should I begin applying for my J-1 visa?

Our experience has proven that from program registration to receipt of the DS-2019 form, the application process can generally be completed within 4 weeks in our PREMIUM Service and 8 weeks in our SELF Service. In order to avoid delays in your internship or training start date, we therefore strongly suggest to begin the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time for your U.S. embassy interview, processing of your visa, as well as travel logistics.