Visas are issued only by U.S. consulates and embassies outside the U.S. The visa is a stamp placed in the passport to allow an individual to enter a particular country, such as the U.S. The visa indicates the purpose of someone's visit, and it is valid for a specified number of entries to the United States: one, two, or "multiple," i.e., any number, until the expiration date.

The validity period of a visa stamp pertains only to the period during which it may be used for admission to the U.S. - it does not indicate how long a person may stay in the U.S.

The application process is most efficient in your home country. Check the U.S. Department of State's websites of U.S. Embassies and Consulates regarding the required procedures and timeframes for visa processing at embassies and consulates overseas.

Recently, the U.S. Department of State began providing information on visa wait times. Though you should always contact the U.S. consulate or embassy for information on processing times, you may use the U.S. Department of State's Visa Wait Times as a guide.

Canadian citizens do not need a passport or an entry visa to enter the U.S. from Canada or another country within the Western Hemisphere (a passport is required for entry from a third country outside the Western Hemisphere). However, Canadians must show Form DS-2019 or I-797 approval notice at the port of entry to obtain appropriate status on their I-94/Arrival/Departure Record.

All new J-1 exchange visitors must pay a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee . The fee is $180, effective Oct. 27, 2008.