About J-1 visa?

J-1 (exchange visitor) visas are granted to nonimmigrants participating in officially sanctioned exchange programs in the arts, education, or sciences, and can include professors, researchers, students, teachers, au pairs, or specialists, among others (a comprehensive list is available in the “Eligibility” section).

These programs must be sponsored by either public or private institutions approved by the U.S. Department of State. The overarching goal of the J-1 visa initiative is to promote cultural and intellectual exchange among nations.

Fee for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

The fees associated with the J-1 visa program will vary depending on the sponsor, category, and duration of stay. It is advisable for the applicant to communicate with the sponsor in advance to ascertain the exact breakdown of expenses.

Before the interview, the program sponsor will input the applicant’s details into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which will generate Form DS-2019 (commonly referred to as the “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status”). At this stage, the applicant may be required to pay a $220 I-901 SEVIS fee, although sponsors may sometimes cover this expense.

Additionally, there is a $185 nonimmigrant application processing fee that the applicant must pay, although waivers may be available for participants in government-sponsored programs. Following the interview, the applicant may also need to pay a reciprocity fee in addition to these charges.

It is recommended that the applicant contacts the sponsor in advance to obtain an accurate breakdown of costs.

Timeline for J-1 visa application

The processing times for J-1 visas are subject to variation based on the applicant’s country of origin. For instance, individuals in Bogotá, Colombia, may anticipate a waiting period of 22 days before an appointment becomes accessible, whereas applicants in Beijing, China, can expect a wait of only 2 days after submitting their application and paying the processing fee. Utilize the U.S. Department of State’s convenient tool to obtain an updated estimate of the waiting time.

Eligibility

In this section, we will delve into the specific J-1 visa requirements corresponding to each program category. The details provided here largely align with the guidelines outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (22 CFR Part 62).

Language Proficiency

Irrespective of the category, the applicant must exhibit proficiency in English, which can be demonstrated through either of the following methods:

1. Presentation of signed documents from an English-language school or university validating the applicant’s successful completion of a recognized test.
2. Participation in an in-person or teleconferencing interview conducted by the sponsoring exchange program.

Insurance

Each applicant must have designated medical insurance coverage. J-2 dependents, including spouses and unmarried children under 21, must also meet this requirement. If the applicant lacks adequate coverage, the sponsor, such as the college or university, can help procure suitable insurance. If coverage lapses during the program, departure may be required.

J-1 Exchange Program Categories

Exchange Visitors engage in the Exchange Visitor Program administered by the US Department of State. The J-1 program encompasses various categories tailored to specific types of exchange endeavors. Participants enroll in a sponsor’s exchange program under a designated category that aligns with their primary activity.

Exchange Visitors receive a Form DS-2019 for only the following six categories:

1.Professor

The professor category is designated for foreign nationals who come to the U.S. primarily to engage in teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at accredited post-secondary academic institutions, museums, libraries, or similar institutions. Additionally, professors may conduct research, unless expressly prohibited by the sponsoring organization.

Professor must: Candidates should not be eligible for a tenure track position; they must not have completed a professor program within the 24 months prior to the start of their new program; and they should not have participated in a J-Visa program during the entire 12-month period leading up to the commencement of a professor program, unless they fall into one of the following categories:

• The candidate is currently enrolled in a professor program and is transferring to another institution in the US to continue their existing J-1 program.
• The candidate’s previous stay in the U.S. on a J-visa program lasted less than six months.
• The prior participation was in the capacity of a short-term scholar.

Duration of Stay: 3 weeks to 5 years

Extension: A professor is eligible to prolong their stay up to the maximum of 5 years or transfer to another program within this timeframe, but extensions exceeding 5 years are prohibited.

Reapplication: Engagement in the professor category triggers the 24-month restriction on subsequent participation. Professors who have entered the U.S. through the Exchange Visitor Program or obtained such status while in the U.S., and who have completed their program, are ineligible to participate as a professor or research scholar for a period of 24 months following the end date of said program as specified on Form DS-2019.

Sponsors are required to:

• Evaluate and choose eligible foreign nationals to advance educational, research, and exchange endeavors;
• Supervise the Exchange Visitor’s residency in the U.S., guaranteeing their advancement in the assigned tasks or research projects;
• Facilitate participation in cross-cultural activities enabling them to gain insights into the U.S. and its inhabitants.
• Verify exchange visitors possess relevant academic or equivalent qualifications.
• Confirm the program aligns with the Exchange Visitor’s background, requirements, and expertise.

Sponsors must ascertain the following for the Exchange Visitor: Language Proficiency: Confirm that Exchange Visitors possess the education and qualifications required to fulfill the purpose for which they are entering the U.S., and ensure they have adequate English language proficiency to operate effectively in an English-speaking setting.

2.Research Scholar

This classification is designated for foreign nationals who enter the U.S. primarily to engage in research, observation, or consultation related to research projects at various institutions such as research institutions, corporate research facilities, museums, libraries, accredited post-secondary academic institutions, or similar establishments. Additionally, a research scholar may engage in teaching or lecturing unless prohibited by the sponsoring organization.

The research scholar’s position shall be temporary, regardless of the permanent nature of the position itself.

Research Scholars must:

• Not be eligible for a tenure track position;
• Have not participated in or completed a research scholar program within the 24 months before the commencement of their new program;
• Have not been engaged in a J-Visa program for any portion of the 12-month period immediately preceding the start date of a research scholar program, unless meeting one of the following exceptions:
  • The participant is currently enrolled in a research scholar program and is transferring to another institution in the U.S. to continue their existing J-1 program;
  • The participant’s prior physical presence in the U.S. on a J-visa program lasted less than six months;
  • Any previous participation was as a short-term scholar.

Advantages: Intellectual Enhancement: Scholars foster the interchange of ideas and research across diverse fields among individuals from the U.S. and those from other nations. The exchange of research scholars fosters the sharing of ideas, research endeavors, mutual enrichment, and connections between research and academic institutions in both the United States and foreign countries.

Limitation of Stay: 3 weeks to 5 years

Extension: A research scholar may extend his or her stay up to the 5 year maximum or transfer to another program within that period, but extensions beyond 5 years are not permitted.

Reengagement: Engaging in the research scholar category activates the 24-month prohibition restrictions. Research Scholars who have entered the U.S. through the Exchange Visitor Program or have attained such status while in the U.S., and have concluded their program, are ineligible for participation as a professor or research scholar for a period of 24 months following the conclusion date of said program as indicated on Form DS-2019.

Program Sponsors are required to:

• Evaluate and choose eligible foreign nationals to advance education, research, and exchange endeavors;
• Supervise the visitor’s residency in the U.S., ensuring progress in the assigned tasks or research projects;
• Facilitate participation in cross-cultural programs enabling them to gain insights into the U.S. and its inhabitants;
• Verify exchange visitors possess suitable academic or equivalent qualifications;
• Confirm the program aligns with the Exchange Visitor’s background, requirements, and experience.

Sponsors must verify the following for exchange visitors: Language Proficiency: Confirm that exchange visitors possess the education and qualifications required to fulfill the activity for which they are entering the U.S., and that they have adequate proficiency in the English language to operate effectively in an English-speaking environment.

3.Short-term Scholar

Professors, research scholars, and individuals with comparable education or achievements who journey to the U.S. for a brief period to deliver lectures, observe, consult, train, or exhibit specialized skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, accredited post-secondary educational institutions, or analogous establishments. Examples of short-term scholars include educators, scientists, research fellows, writers, museum administrators, librarians, and individuals of equivalent recognized expertise.

Short-Term Scholars must: Be a professor or research scholar or someone with similar education and or experience.

Advantages: Academic Enhancement: Participants engage in collaborative research projects, teach for a semester at a college or university, or deliver lectures, consultations, or observations in diverse educational and research environments in the U.S.

Participate in short-term collaborations and the exchange of research between foreign scholars and their American counterparts, engage in educational and professional programs, deliberate on shared challenges and initiatives, thereby fostering enhanced professional connections and communication.

Limitation of Stay: 1 day to 6 months

Note: The maximum duration of stay is six months; No program extension will be considered; and No change of category will be considered.

Extension: A short-term scholar has the option to prolong their stay up to the maximum of six months or transfer to another program within this duration, but extensions exceeding 6 months are prohibited.

Repeat Engagement: Engaging in the short-term scholar category does not activate the 12-month or 24-month prohibition restrictions; hence, this category would be suitable for a scholar seeking to return to the U.S. annually without limitation.

Program Sponsors are required to:

• Evaluate and choose qualified foreign nationals to execute exchange initiatives;
• Supervise the Exchange Visitor’s stay in the U.S. and provide assistance with any arising issues;
• Verify that the foreign national is effectively fulfilling the responsibilities for which entry to the U.S. was granted;
• Confirm exchange visitors possess suitable academic or equivalent credentials;
• Ensure the program aligns with the Exchange Visitor’s background, requirements, and experience;
• Facilitate participation in cross-cultural programs enabling exchange visitors to gain insights into the U.S. and its inhabitants;
• Ensure exchange participants and their dependents, if any, are covered by health insurance;
• Verify exchange visitors have adequate finances to participate in the program and support their spouse and dependents, if any.

4.Student: Degree-seeking (bachelors, masters, doctoral)

A student enrolled full-time seeking a degree at an accredited post-secondary academic institution that grants degrees. College/University Students must meet the funding or exchange agreement requirement:

The student or their program receives financial support either directly or indirectly from:

• The United States Government;
• The government of the student’s home country; or
• An international organization of which the United States is a member by treaty or statute;
• The program is conducted under an agreement between the United States Government and a foreign government;
• The program is conducted under a written agreement between:
  • American and foreign academic institutions;
  • An American academic institution and a foreign government; or
  • A state or local government in the United States and a foreign government;
• The student is primarily funded by sources other than personal or family funds.

A J-1 student must receive financial support directly or indirectly from the U.S. government, their home country’s government, an international organization of which the U.S. is a member by treaty or statute, or substantial funding from sources other than personal or family funds.

Substantial support is defined as at least 51% of the funding requirement coming from scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, or similar non-personal or family support.

Advantages: Academic Credit: University/college students can participate in degree-granting programs until completion.

Academic Training: Students may undertake academic training with or without compensation during their studies with the approval of the academic dean or adviser and the responsible officer . Eligibility must be determined by the responsible officer, who must grant written approval in advance. The student’s SEVIS record must be updated to reflect the approved academic training before the training commences.

Duration of Stay: From 3 weeks to the length of time required to complete the academic program.

Extension: Degree-seeking students do not need to apply for a program extension as they are admitted to the U.S. for the duration required to complete their J-1 academic program. There is no regulatory limit on their permitted stay in the U.S.

Reengagement: Participation in the degree-seeking student category for more than 6 months triggers the 12-month bar restrictions for J-1 Exchange Visitors seeking to return for initial participation as a Professor or Research Scholar.

Sponsors are obligated to:

• Obtain adequate background information on students to ensure they possess the necessary academic credentials for enrollment; or
• Verify that the foreign national has been admitted to or accepted for a student internship program offered by a post-secondary accredited academic institution.

Sponsors must ensure the following for participants: Ensure they pursue a full course of study at a post-secondary accredited academic institution in the U.S.

5.Student: None-Degree-seeking (bachelors, masters, doctoral)

A student engaged full-time in a prescribed course of study which does not lead to a degree. Non-degree student must come through an established exchange program.

College/University Students must:

• Be funded either directly or indirectly by the U.S. government, the student’s home country government, an international organization of which the U.S. is a member by treaty or statute, or substantially supported by financial backing from any entity other than personal or familial funds.
• Be conducted pursuant to a pact between the U.S. government and a foreign government, or in accordance with a documented agreement between American and foreign educational institutions, an American educational institution and a foreign government, or a state or local government in the U.S. and a foreign government.
• Pursue a non-degree program must be enrolled full-time in a prescribed course of study.

Benefits

• School Credit: University/college students may engage in degree-granting programs until completion or non-degree granting programs for no more than 24 months.
• Employment: Students may engage in part-time employment under certain conditions, including good academic standing at their host institution.
• Academic training: Students may participate in academic training with or without wages or other remuneration during their studies with the approval of the academic dean or adviser and the responsible officer at their sponsor organization.

Limitation of Stay: 3 weeks to 24 months (including academic training)

Extension: Non-degree students are not eligible for a program extension beyond the 24 months.

Program Sponsors Sponsors are required to:

• Secure sufficient background information on the students to ensure that they have the academic credentials required for enrollment; or
• Ensure that the foreign national has been admitted to, or accepted for a student internship program offered by, the post-secondary accredited academic institution.

Sponsors must ensure the following for participants:

• Ensure that they pursue a full course of study at a post-secondary accredited academic institution in the U.S.

How to Apply J-1 Visa

Application procedures for the J-1 visa may differ by country. Therefore, applicants should contact the local U.S. Embassy or consulate in advance. Below, we’ll outline the steps for the J-1 visa application process:

Step 1: Find a Sponsor

The first step to applying for a J-1 visa is to find a designated sponsor willing to accept you in the program. The U.S. Department of State keeps a list of designated sponsors for the exchange visitor program. 

Note that the organization screens its participants based on the English Language Proficiency of the applicant. You can contact the sponsor to find out about the eligibility criterion for applying for the exchange visitor program.

Step 2: Submit DS-2019 Visa

After you have applied and are approved by a designated sponsor, you must fill out and submit Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. The form is provided by the sponsor and will include the start and end date, description of the exchange program, and the cost of the program.

This form allows you to obtain an interview with the U.S. consular office or embassy. Individuals accompanying the visitor must file separate DS-2019 forms issued by the sponsor.

Step 3: Interview Preparation and Attendance

In specific countries, applicants may be required to settle the application processing fee before their interview. If so, they should visit the U.S. Embassy’s website for payment instructions. After payment, the applicant and any accompanying dependents must assemble all necessary documents before the interview. These documents include:

• A valid passport (with an expiration date at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in the U.S.)
• A passport-style photo that meets the State Department’s guidelines
• Proof of payment for the application processing fee (if applicable)
• The confirmation page for the DS-160 online visa application
• Form DS-2019, provided by the sponsor after entering the applicant’s and any dependents’ names into the SEVIS system
• Form DS-7002 (Training/Internship Placement Plan), required for applicants in the trainee and intern categories.

The consular officer may request further evidence of the applicant’s intention to return home after completing the program.

With the required documentation, the applicant attends the interview to demonstrate eligibility for the Exchange Visitor Program. Fingerprinting may be conducted during the interview. After visa approval, the applicant should collect their visa and passport and settle any remaining fees, if necessary. For additional guidance, Boundless offers a resource on preparing for the J-1 visa interview.

Step 4: Payment of the Fees

You have to pay SEVIS the I-901 fee. This fee will cover the cost of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The payment is made to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of the program fee for participating in the exchange program.

The fee is separate from the school’s SEVIS administration fees and nonimmigrant visa application processing fee. Note that students participating in the program through USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development) are exempt from the nonimmigrant visa fee.

Step 5: Entry into the United States

Upon arrival in the United States, the applicant must present their passport, visa, and Form DS-2019 at the airport or other port-of-entry. The decision on whether to allow entry into the country lies with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent.

After arriving in the United States, the applicant may have the option to extend their stay or potentially adjust their status to that of a green card holder, subject to specific conditions.

Common Inquiries Regarding J-1 Visa Applications

How does the J-1 visa differ from the F-1 visa?

The J-1 visa is designated for educational exchange programs and can be granted to students, as well as other individuals such as camp counselors and au pairs. In contrast, the F-1 visa is exclusively issued to students enrolled for a specific duration at a U.S. school or college. Additionally, each visa imposes distinct conditions. For instance, J-1 visa applicants must demonstrate that at least 51% of their financial support originates from an institution, whereas any funding source is permissible for the F-1 visa.

What is the “requirement for physical presence in the home country for two years” and what implications does it have for me?

According to Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, certain exchange programs mandate participants to return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing the program. This requirement is activated if any of the following conditions are met:

• The program is funded in part by either the United States or the participant’s home country (or country of nationality).
• The participant’s specialized skills are considered essential for the advancement of national interests by their home country.
• The participant engaged in the exchange program for graduate medical training purposes.

This physical presence obligation prohibits participants from changing their status to temporary worker (H visa), intracompany transferee (L visa), or lawful permanent resident. Consequently, applicants are ineligible to apply for these visas at a U.S. Embassy or consulate during the two-year period.

How can I obtain a waiver for the two-year physical presence requirement?

Applicants meeting specific criteria may be eligible for a waiver of this requirement. There are five potential scenarios in which a waiver could be granted:

1. The applicant’s country of origin issues a “No Objection Statement” through its embassy in Washington D.C., affirming no objection to the applicant’s continued stay in the United States following the completion of the exchange program.
2. The applicant is employed by a U.S. federal agency, which determines that the departure of the exchange visitor would adversely affect U.S. interests.
3. The applicant fears persecution upon returning to their country of origin.
4. The departure of the applicant would result in “exceptional hardship” for a spouse who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
5. The applicant is a foreign medical graduate, and a State Public Health Department or similar entity has requested their retention. In this instance, they would seek a waiver through the Conrad 30 waiver program.

What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining a Conrad State 30 waiver?

In order to be eligible for a Conrad State 30 waiver, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Accept a full-time position at a healthcare facility located in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The area may alternatively be classified as a Medically Underserved Area (MUA) or a Medically Underserved Population (MUP).
• Obtain a “No Objection Statement” (as described earlier) from your country of origin.
• Commit to commencing employment within 90 days of receiving the Conrad 30 waiver.

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