Exchange visitor (J) visas are nonimmigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. Exchange Visitors participating in an exchange program must be issued an exchange visitor visa, or J-visa, to travel to the U.S. Foreign nationals may not travel to the U.S. to participate in an exchange on a visitor (B1/B2) visa, or through the Visa Waiver Program.
You must be accepted into a qualifying exchange visitor program through a pre-approved organization
You must be registered in SEVIS by your program sponsor
You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (unless exempt)
You must demonstrate intent to depart the United States after your program
You must be able to pay for or show funding for all travel costs
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Regulatory Criteria
Exchange Visitor Program Categories
Exchange visitor programs include various categories for different types of participants. Each category has specific requirements and duration limits.
Examples
Au pair and EduCare
Camp Counselor
Government Visitor
Intern
International Visitor (Dept. of State use)
Physician
Professor and Research Scholar
Short-term Scholar
Specialist
Student, college/university
Student, secondary
Summer Work Travel
Teacher
Trainee
Program Acceptance and SEVIS Registration
You must apply for an exchange visitor program through a pre-approved organization in the United States. Once accepted, you will be registered in SEVIS and receive Form DS-2019.
Examples
Apply through a Department of State designated sponsor organization
Be accepted into a qualifying program
Program sponsor registers you in SEVIS
Receive Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (unless exempt)
Visa Application Process
After receiving Form DS-2019, complete the DS-160 online application and schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Pay the $185 application fee unless exempt.
Examples
Complete Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160
Upload photo meeting photograph requirements
Pay $185 visa application fee (U.S. government sponsored programs may be exempt)
Schedule visa interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Trainee and Intern Documentation
J-1 visa applicants participating in Trainee and Intern categories also need the DS-7002 form, Training/Internship Placement Plan, in addition to Form DS-2019.
Examples
Form DS-7002, Training/Internship Placement Plan
This form is referenced in Box 7 on Form DS-2019
Required only for Trainee and Intern program categories
Some J visa holders must return to their home country for two years before changing status, adjusting to permanent residence, or obtaining H, L, or K visas.
Examples
Government funded exchange programs (U.S. or home country government funding)
Graduate medical education or training programs
Specialized knowledge or skill on the Exchange Visitor Skills List
Requirement shown on Form DS-2019
Waiver may be available in certain circumstances
Spouse and Children (J-2 Visa)
Your spouse and minor children may apply for J-2 visas to accompany you. They will each receive a separate DS-2019 form from your program sponsor.
Examples
Spouse and minor children eligible for J-2 visa
Each family member receives separate DS-2019
Must demonstrate relationship to principal J-1 holder
J-2 dependents may apply for work authorization from USCIS
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Application Process
Apply to Program
Apply for an exchange visitor program through a pre-approved organization.
Program Acceptance
Be accepted into a qualifying exchange program.
SEVIS Registration
Program sponsor registers you in SEVIS and issues Form DS-2019.
Pay SEVIS Fee
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (unless exempt).
Complete DS-160
Complete Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
Pay Visa Fee
Pay the $185 visa application fee (unless exempt).
Schedule Interview
Schedule visa interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Participate in approved U.S. exchange visitor programs
Cultural exchange and educational opportunities
Work authorization related to your program
J-2 dependents may apply for separate work authorization
Some categories allow multiple entries
May request program extension through sponsor
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Documents Needed
Passport valid for at least six months beyond period of stay
Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa application fee payment receipt (if required)
Photo meeting photograph requirements
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Form DS-7002, Training/Internship Placement Plan (for Trainee and Intern categories only)
Evidence of ties to home country and intent to return
Evidence of ability to pay all travel costs (or sponsor funding)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I participate in an exchange program on a visitor visa?
No. Exchange Visitors must be issued an exchange visitor visa (J visa) to travel to the U.S. Foreign nationals may not participate in an exchange on a visitor (B1/B2) visa or through the Visa Waiver Program.
What is the two-year home-country physical presence requirement?
Some J visa holders must return to their home country for a cumulative total of at least two years before changing status, adjusting to permanent residence, or obtaining H, L, or K visas. This applies if your program was government funded, you received graduate medical training, or you have skills on the Exchange Visitor Skills List.
Can I get a waiver of the two-year requirement?
Yes, you may pursue a waiver of the two-year home-country physical presence requirement in certain circumstances. Visit the Department of State website for information on how to request a waiver.
Can my family accompany me on J-1 status?
Yes. Your spouse and minor children may apply for J-2 visas. Each family member will receive a separate DS-2019 form. J-2 dependents may also apply for work authorization from USCIS.
What happens if I overstay my program?
Failure to depart the United States on time results in being out of status. Your visa will be automatically voided and you may be ineligible for future visas.
Are there special programs for certain nationalities?
Yes. Special programs include Summer Work Travel Pilot Programs for Australians and New Zealanders, Intern Work Travel Program for Irish nationals, and WEST (Work, English Study, and Travel) Program for South Koreans.
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