New exchange visitors who are entering the U.S. for the first time on a J-1 visa can only enter the country 30 days prior to the start of the program. (This 30-day rule does not apply to returning exchange visitors who already have a valid J-1 visa.) Exchange visitors must also depart the U.S. within 30 days upon completing the program.

Spring 2022 semester

The earliest date you may arrive in the U.S. for the spring 2022 semester is December 11, 2021, 30 days prior to the start of the spring 2022 semester on January 10, 2022.

For the latest updates about the spring 2022 semester, go to the Reopening SVA webpage.

The U.S. government has issued coronavirus-related travel bans to limit international travel to the U.S. (Reference: COVID-19 Restrictions on U.S. Visas and Entry.)

SVA’s International Student Office (ISO) is closely monitoring information related to travel and visas and will inform international SVA students of any updates. You can also refer to this frequently updated summary of worldwide entry information here.

J-1 Students

Resources