United States Visa Guide
The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa is for eligible foreign nationals participating in an approved U.S. exchange visitor program. The process normally begins with acceptance by a Department of State-designated program sponsor, followed by Form DS-2019, SEVIS requirements, Form DS-160, payment of applicable fees, and a consular visa interview.
J-1 classification is based on section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It covers participants admitted to approved exchange programs for purposes that may include study, teaching, research, training, observation, consultation, special skills, or graduate medical education or training. Exchange Visitor Program rules are principally administered by the U.S. Department of State under 22 CFR Part 62.
Common program categories include au pair, camp counselor, college or university student, government visitor, intern, international visitor, physician, professor, research scholar, secondary school student, short-term scholar, specialist, summer work travel, teacher and trainee. Eligibility and program conditions depend on the particular exchange category and designated sponsor.
First, identify and apply through a U.S. Department of State-designated Exchange Visitor Program sponsor. You must be accepted into an eligible program before applying for the J-1 visa. The sponsor is responsible for creating your exchange visitor record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
After acceptance and creation of your SEVIS record, the sponsor issues Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. Check your name, program dates, category, sponsor information and other details carefully. Your J-2 spouse or child, when eligible to accompany or follow to join, must have a separate DS-2019.
Most J-1 applicants must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before the visa interview. Some federally funded programs and certain categories have different fee rules. Follow the instructions from your sponsor and retain proof of payment.
Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application accurately for each visa applicant, including each J-2 dependent who needs a visa. Upload the required photograph as instructed and print or save the DS-160 confirmation page with its barcode.
The standard nonimmigrant visa application processing fee for a J visa is currently US$185. Certain participants in qualifying U.S.-government-sponsored exchange programs with specified program serial numbers beginning G-1, G-2, G-3 or G-7 are exempt from the application processing fee. A visa issuance or reciprocity fee may also apply depending on nationality.
Follow the instructions of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply. Current Department of State instructions generally direct nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule in their country of nationality or residence. Appointment procedures, biometric collection and document-delivery arrangements vary by post.
Bring the required documents and be prepared to explain the purpose of the exchange program, your qualifications, how your expenses will be met, and your intention to comply with the terms of J status. A visa is not guaranteed merely because a sponsor has issued Form DS-2019.
Follow the embassy or consulate's passport-return instructions. A visa permits you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission; it does not itself guarantee entry. Review your sponsor's arrival instructions and do not enter earlier than permitted for your J category.
The exact requirements may vary by embassy or consulate and by exchange category. Typical required or relevant documents include:
Applicants in trainee or intern categories may also be required to present Form DS-7002, Training/Internship Placement Plan. Check the requirements for your specific J category before the interview.
Visa application fee: The Department of State currently lists the J nonimmigrant visa application processing fee as US$185, subject to applicable exemptions and future fee changes.
I-901 SEVIS fee: The standard J-1 SEVIS fee is generally US$220. The fee is US$35 for certain categories, including au pair, camp counselor and summer work/travel. Some participants may be exempt. Verify the current fee for your category before payment.
Program sponsor fee: A designated sponsor may charge its own program fee. Sponsor fees vary and are separate from government visa and SEVIS fees.
Yes, in-person interviews are generally required for J-1 and J-2 visa applicants. Under the Department of State interview-waiver rules effective 1 October 2025, the former broad age-based exemptions no longer apply: applicants under 14 and over 79 also generally require an interview unless they fall within one of the limited current waiver categories.
An eligible spouse and unmarried minor children of a J-1 principal may apply for J-2 visas to accompany or later join the J-1 participant, if the exchange category permits dependents. Each dependent generally needs an individual Form DS-2019, DS-160 and visa application. J-2 applicants should also carry evidence of the qualifying family relationship.
Some J-1 exchange visitors, and their J-2 dependents, are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement under section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It can apply because of government financing, participation in a field covered by the applicable Exchange Visitor Skills List, or graduate medical education or training.
If section 212(e) applies, the person generally must satisfy the required period abroad or obtain an approved waiver before becoming eligible for certain immigration benefits, including an immigrant visa, adjustment of status, or H, L or K nonimmigrant visas. Whether the rule applies is fact-specific. The Department of State provides an advisory-opinion process and information on available waiver bases.
Visa procedures, interview availability, fees and local document instructions can change. Before filing or attending an appointment, verify the latest requirements on the U.S. Department of State, BridgeUSA, DHS/SEVIS and the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate website. This page provides general information and is not a substitute for case-specific immigration advice.