VISA GUIDE

J-1

J1 Exchange Visitor Visa

For approved exchange programs — research scholars, interns, trainees, students, and more

The J1 visa covers a wide range of State Department-designated exchange visitor programs, from research scholars and professors to interns, trainees, and au pairs. It's sponsored by a specific program, not a US employer directly.

Because J1 covers so many different program categories, most questions come back to two things: what your specific category allows, and whether you're subject to the two-year home residency requirement that some categories carry.

ELIGIBILITY

WHO THIS VISA IS FOR

Accepted into a US Department of State-designated exchange visitor program

Sponsored by a program sponsor who issues Form DS-2019

Proof of funding meeting your program's requirements

Health insurance meeting Department of State minimum coverage

THE PROCESS

STEP BY STEP TIMELINE

  1. 01

    Get accepted by a program sponsor and receive Form DS-2019

    Varies by program

    Your sponsor confirms your program category, dates, and funding.

  2. 02

    Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee

    Same day

    Paid online before scheduling your visa interview.

  3. 03

    Complete the DS-160 and schedule your interview

    Wait times vary by consulate

    Same online nonimmigrant visa application used across categories.

  4. 04

    Attend your visa interview

    Days–weeks for a decision

    Bring your DS-2019, DS-160 confirmation, and proof of funding.

See exact fees and timing for this visa →

GOOD TO KNOW

THE TWO-YEAR HOME RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT (212(E))

  • Some J1 categories — government-funded programs, skills on the exchange visitor skills list, or graduate medical training — carry a requirement to return home for 2 years before certain other statuses or a green card

  • Not every J1 category is subject to it — check your DS-2019 and visa stamp for a 212(e) annotation

  • If you are subject, it can be waived through a separate process — see our J1 Waiver guide

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

DOCUMENTS

Passport

Form DS-2019

SEVIS fee receipt

DS-160 confirmation page

Proof of funding

Health insurance proof

Timing depends heavily on your program sponsor and category; once DS-2019 is issued, the visa process itself follows the standard DS-160/interview timeline.

FAQ

QUESTIONS PEOPLE ACTUALLY ASK

Frequently
Asked
Questions

KEEP EXPLORING

RELATED VISAS

F1 Student Visa

J1 Waiver of the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement

Not sure which visa fits your situation?

A modern immigration experience starts here.

Whether you’re an individual confused where to start, an employer looking to improve your immigration process, or a law firm looking to supercharge your practice, we’re here for you.