J-1 Visas

What is a J-1 Visa?

A J-1 visa, often referred to as an exchange visitor visa, allows individuals to travel to the United States and participate in designated exchange programs. According to the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, these programs include:

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What’s the Difference Between J-1 Visas and H-1B Visas?

The J-1 and H-1B visas both allow foreign nationals to come to the US (or travel abroad in the case of the J-1 visa), but they serve different purposes and have specific eligibility requirements:

Feature

J-1 Visa

H-1B Visa

Purpose

Cultural exchange, education, or training programs

Employment in specialized jobs

Eligibility

Participants in approved exchange programs (e.g. student, intern, researcher, au pair, etc.)

Highly skilled professionals in fields like IT, engineering, healthcare

Sponsorship

US government-approved sponsor organization

US employer

Duration

Depends on program (a few months to several years)

Initially up to 3 years, with a possible extension to 6 years

Path to Permanent Residency

Limited, may require the applicant to return to their home country for 2 years before applying for certain US visas or green cards (unless a waiver is granted)

Easier process; employers can sponsor permanent residency

Required Documentation

Here’s the required documentation to obtain a J-1 Visa:

Document

Description

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond applicant’s stay in the US

Form DS-160 Confirmation Page

Completed online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

Visa Application Fee Receipt

Proof of payment (if required) before the interview

Photo

Uploaded with Form DS-160; must meet US visa photo requirements

Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (Form DS-2019)

Issued by program sponsor after SEVIS registration

Training/Internship Placement Plan (Form DS-7002)

Required for Trainee and Intern categories

Steps to Obtain a J-1 Visa

Get the DS-2019 Form

First, the sponsoring organization (e.g. the school or program) will provide the applicant with the DS-2019 form, which is necessary to apply for the J-1 visa. The US government provides a set number of the DS-2019 forms to sponsoring organizations.

The applicant should stay in close contact with their sponsoring agency. They’ll help with all the paperwork.

Apply for the J-1 Visa

Once the DS-2019 form is in hand, the applicant can apply for the J-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate.

Schedule the Visa Interview

The applicant will need to schedule an interview. Keep in mind that interview availability can vary, so it’s best to get the application in early to avoid delays.

Prepare for the Interview

The applicant should be prepared with all required documents for the visa interview to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Get the Visa and Enter the US

If all goes well and the visa is approved, the applicant can travel to the US, but they can’t enter more than 30 days before their program starts.

What’s the Two-year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement?

If the J-1 visa holder is in an Exchange Visitor Program, they might have to return to their home country for two years after their program ends. This rule applies if:

Their program is funded by the US government or their home country’s government.
They came to the US for graduate medical education or training.
Their home country requires their specialized skills (check the 2024 Exchange Visitor Skills List).

If this applies, they must spend at least two years in their home country before they can:

Change their immigration status in the US.
Become a permanent resident (green card holder).
Get certain work or fiancé visas (like H, L, or K).

Exceptions: J-1 visa holders can seek a waiver to skip this requirement.

What Rights Do the Children and Spouses of H-1B Visa Holders Have?

If you’re a J-1 visa holder, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 (no matter their nationality) can get J-2 status. They’re allowed to apply for work permission in the US by submitting Form I-765, but the money they earn can’t be used to support you financially. Learn more about how to apply for J-2 status on the US Immigration and Employment Services website.

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