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J-1 — Exchange Visitor
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

J-1 — Exchange Visitor

Working Holiday Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 weeks – 2 months

Estimated Cost

USD $405

Stay Duration

Duration of program (varies by category)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Approved exchange program — research scholars, professors, short-term scholars, trainees, teachers, au pairs, camp counselors, interns, specialists.

The J-1 Exchange Visitor is a US nonimmigrant visa for participants in approved educational and cultural exchange programs — researchers, professors, trainees, teachers, au pairs, interns, and camp counselors. Accepted applicants receive Form DS-2019 from their State Department–designated sponsor.

Stay matches the program end date; the visa is renewable through the sponsor. Dependents join on J-2 status; spouses may apply for work authorization. No dual intent or permanent residence pathway. Some holders are subject to a two-year home-country residency requirement, with waivers available.

This visa is ideal for foreign nationals participating in a U.S. government-approved exchange program, including researchers, interns, au pairs, or educators whose stay is program-defined.

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Cost Breakdown

SEVIS I-901 FeeUSD $220
MRV visa application feeUSD $185
TotalUSD $405

Stay & Extensions

Status typeTied to program duration

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

H-1B — Specialty Occupation Worker
United States flagUnited States

H-1B — Specialty Occupation Worker

Validity3 to 6 years
Processing2 weeks – 9 months
View Visa Details
EB-1 — Employment First Preference - Priority Worker
United States flagUnited States

EB-1 — Employment First Preference - Priority Worker

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1–3 years
View Visa Details
EB-2 — Employment Second Preference - Advanced Degree
United States flagUnited States

EB-2 — Employment Second Preference - Advanced Degree

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1.5–10 years
View Visa Details
EB-3 — Employment Third Preference - Skilled Worker/Professional
United States flagUnited States

EB-3 — Employment Third Preference - Skilled Worker/Professional

ValidityIndefinite
Processing3.5–12 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must participate through a pre-approved U.S. Department of State exchange program sponsor

Acceptance and SEVIS registration required from sponsor

Valid passport with 6+ months validity recommended

Proof of sufficient financial ability to cover travel costs

Must depart on or before program end date

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (6+ months validity recommended)

Form DS-160 confirmation page

Form DS-2019 (Certificate of qualification for Exchange Visitor Status) issued by sponsor

Visa photo meeting requirements

Form DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (Trainee/Intern categories only)

Proof of financial ability to cover travel and living costs

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Covers 13 qualifying program categories including students, scholars, teachers, trainees, au pairs, and camp counselors
  • Work authorization permitted within approved program scope for applicable categories
  • Some U.S. government-sponsored applicants may be exempt from the application fee

Worth Knowing

  • Two-year home-country physical presence requirement may apply if program is government-funded, involves graduate medical training, or participant's field is on the Exchange Visitor Skills List
  • Cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days before program start date without a separate B visa
  • Cannot use Visa Waiver Program or B-1/B-2 visa for exchange program participation — J-1 is required
  • Failure to depart by program end date risks visa revocation and future non-qualification
  • Two-year home residence requirement (212(e)) may apply

Application Process

1

Apply through a pre-approved exchange program sponsor

2

Receive acceptance and obtain Form DS-2019 from sponsor

3

Pay SEVIS I-901 fee (where applicable)

4

Complete online visa application Form DS-160

5

Schedule and attend interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Application Forms

Go to application portal
DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Fill online
DS-2019
Certificate of qualification for Exchange Visitor Status
—
DS-7002
Training/Internship Placement Plan
Fill online

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