J-1 Visa
The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant status for an exchange visitor wishing to stay temporarily in the U.S.
Schedule a consultation with one of our immigration attorneys.
What is a J-1 Visa
The J-1 classification (exchange visitors) is for individuals participating in an approved program for purposes such as teaching, lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or undergoing graduate medical education or training.
J-1 nonimmigrants must be sponsored to take part in one of the exchange programs that has been designated by the U.S. Department of State. These programs aim to foster the exchange of people, knowledge, and skills across fields like education, the arts, and science.
Within the J-1 category, there are a number of different programs:
- Professors or scholars
- Research Assistants
- Students
- Trainees
- Teachers
- Au Pairs
- Camp Counselors
Requirements to apply for a J Visa
Acceptance into an Approved Exchange Program
Applicants must be accepted into an exchange program approved by the U.S. Department of State, such as educational institutions, government programs, or private-sector programs.
Certificate of Eligibility
The applicant must obtain a certificate of eligibility from the sponsor, which outlines the program details, including duration and funding.
Duration of Status
The certification of eligibility will set forth the duration of the particular program which you have applied for.
Pursue cultural exchange opportunities in the U.S. with the J Visa, designed for students, professionals, and researchers seeking to expand their global experience.
Let our experienced immigration attorneys guide you through the J visa process.
Home Residency Requirement
Certain J-1 holders are subject to a two-year home-residency requirement.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English to participate in the program, ensuring they can understand and engage in the exchange experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
A J-1 visa holder who is subject to the home residency requirement must reside and be physically present in the country of nationality or last legal residence abroad for an aggregate of at least two years after leaving the United States before being eligible to return to the U.S. in another nonimmigrant or immigrant status.
If either the U.S., the home country’s government, or government of the last residence abroad provided financial support for the person’s J-1 program; if the person’s field of endeavor appears on the “skills list” (list of fields in which experts are critically needed) for his/her country; or if the J-1 was obtained for the purpose of graduate medical training, typically a residency or fellowship.
It may be possible to obtain a waiver. The applicant generally would initiate the waiver process by contacting his/her country’s consulate in the United States and obtaining a statement of “no objection.” You can read more about the waiver here.
To apply for a J visa, you must first be accepted into a U.S.-approved exchange program. The program sponsor will provide you with Form DS-2019, which you’ll use to apply for your J visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. You will need to complete Form DS-160, pay the required visa fee, attend an interview, and present supporting documentation, including financial proof and program details.
Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, is issued by the sponsor of your exchange program. It outlines the duration, purpose, and funding of your program and is necessary to apply for your J visa.
The length of stay depends on your specific exchange program and the details listed on Form DS-2019. After completing your program, J visa holders usually have a 30-day grace period to prepare for departure from the U.S. Extensions may be available depending on the program type.
Employment opportunities are limited to those authorized as part of your exchange program. Some J visa categories, like students and research scholars, may have specific employment options tied to their program. J-2 dependents can apply for work authorization by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
In some cases, J visa holders can change their status to another non-immigrant visa or apply for permanent residency (green card). However, this may not be possible if you are subject to the two-year home residency requirement unless you secure a waiver.
Yes, extensions are possible for some J visa categories. You must apply for an extension before your current visa expires, and your program sponsor will need to issue an updated Form DS-2019 to support the extension.
Ready to start your J Visa application or waiver process?
