J-1 is a temporary non-immigrant practical training exchange visitor visa
A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to research scholars, professors and exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, especially to obtain medical or business training within the U.S.
J-1 visitors may remain in the United States until the end of their exchange program, as specified on form DS-2019. Once a J-1 visitor’s program ends, he or she may remain in the United States for an additional 30 days, often referred to as a “grace period”, in order to prepare for departure from the country
Eligibility Requirements
- Participants must possess sufficient proficiency in the English language to participate in their programs.
- Participants and any J-2 dependents (spouses and minor unmarried children under the age 21) accompanying them are required to carry medical insurance at the minimum benefit levels stated in the program regulations. Program sponsors are required to ensure that all participants have the appropriate medical insurance.
Application and Authorization Process
When you are accepted into an exchange visitor program, the program sponsor will issue you a form DS-2019. The program sponsor will tell you if you must pay a SEVIS I-901 fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or if this fee is already part of your program fees. If your sponsor pays the SEVIS fee on your behalf, the Sponsor will provide you with a receipt confirming payment.
Each exchange visitor who applies for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate must pay the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee.
Visa applicants need to demonstrate their eligibility for a visa during an interview by a consular officer at the U.S. embassy or consulate, generally in their country of residence.
You will need to provide a receipt showing the visa application processing fee has been paid when you come for your visa interview. (NOTE: U.S. Government sponsored exchange visitor J visa applicants and their dependents are not required to pay visa application processing fees if participating in a Department of State, a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), or a U.S. Government funded educational and cultural exchange program that has a program serial number beginning with G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-7 printed on form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.)
Forms required to be submitted for this application
- Form DS-160
Information that you will have to provide
Visa interview documents:
- The Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-2019) issued by the sponsor of the program
- Supporting documents which are country specific and the consulate website will have details
- A valid passport, that does not expire within the next six months
- The I-901 SEVIS Fee ($180)
- Form DS-160 completed online – this is the non-immigrant visa application
- Fee receipt confirming payment of the visa application fee of $160 (please check for the latest fees)
- A recent color 2″×2″ photograph, in the specified format
How we can help
Our attorneys are available to consult with applicants to discuss their options and responsibilities. To start the process:
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