United States•North America

Open

J-1 — Exchange Visitor

Working Holiday Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

21-56 days

Application Fee

405 USD

Stay Duration

Duration of program (varies by category)

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$51,000

Quality of Life

186/200

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.

Fee Breakdown

SEVIS I-901 Fee	220 USD
MRV visa application fee	185 USD

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Tied to program duration

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United States

H-1B — Specialty Occupation Worker

Validity3 to 6 years

Processing15 days

View Visa Details

EB-1 — Employment First Preference — Priority Worker

United States

EB-1 — Employment First Preference — Priority Worker

ValidityIndefinite

Processing1-3 years

View Visa Details

EB-2 — Employment Second Preference — Advanced Degree

United States

EB-2 — Employment Second Preference — Advanced Degree

ValidityIndefinite

Processing547-3650 days

View Visa Details

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

United States

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

ValidityIndefinite

Processing1277-4380 days

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY 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 Eligibility 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 eligible 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 ineligibility
Two-year home residence requirement (212(e)) may apply

Application Process

Apply through a pre-approved exchange program sponsor

Receive acceptance and obtain Form DS-2019 from sponsor

Pay SEVIS I-901 fee (where applicable)

Complete online visa application Form DS-160

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 Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status	—
DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan	Fill online

Verified Claims (41)

Last verified May 30, 2026

Application Steps	Apply through a pre-approved exchange program sponsor; Receive acceptance and obtain Form DS-2019 fr…	travel.state.gov
Blockers	Two-year home residence requirement (212(e)) may apply	travel.state.gov
Categories	study; work	travel.state.gov
Code	us-j-1	travel.state.gov
Criminal Policy	Case-by-case	travel.state.gov
Dependent Visa	J-2 (can apply for work authorization)	j1visa.state.gov
Dual Intent	false	travel.state.gov
English Min Score	—	j1visa.state.gov

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Overview

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

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.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY 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 Eligibility 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 eligible 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 ineligibility
Two-year home residence requirement (212(e)) may apply