PASSPORTOFFICES
U.S. nonimmigrant visa · United States

U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa

The J-1 covers exchange visitors — au pairs, interns, scholars, camp counselors and physicians — sponsored by a State Department-designated program.

Official application site Check my requirements

Short answer

Who needs the U.S. J-1?

Foreign nationals accepted into a designated exchange visitor program.

Key takeaways

  • Government fee: about $185. Visa application fee plus a SEVIS I-901 fee of $220 for most J categories.
  • Typical processing: Depends heavily on the post and whether administrative processing is triggered.
  • Maximum stay: Program-specific — from a few weeks for camp counselors to several years for research scholars.
  • Passport validity: At least six months beyond your intended stay.
  • When to apply: As soon as your sponsor issues the DS-2019.

Forms and official links

Step by step

  1. 1

    Get sponsored

    Only State Department-designated sponsors can issue a DS-2019.

  2. 2

    Pay the SEVIS fee and file the DS-160

    Keep both receipts for the interview.

  3. 3

    Interview

    Bring the DS-2019, funding proof and evidence you will return home.

  4. 4

    Check the two-year rule

    Some J-1 categories carry a two-year home-residency requirement before you can change status.

What to have ready

  • Form DS-2019 from your sponsor
  • SEVIS fee receipt
  • DS-160 confirmation
  • Proof of English proficiency and program funding
  • Insurance meeting the program's minimum coverage

Watch out for

  • The 212(e) two-year home residency requirement applies to many J-1 categories — read your DS-2019 annotation carefully.

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