Understanding the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
- By Fileright
- Last Updated:
Introduction
One significant and popular route for international residents to temporarily live in the United States and be a part of various educational and training programs is through the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP), wherein residents from other nations travel to the United States for international cooperation, especially in the field of Education and culture.
EVP is a flexible way of entering the United States as it has 15 categories that allow visitors from different cultures and backgrounds. Every year, more than 400,000 applications are made through foreign exchange visitors participating in the program. To participate in EVP, visitors are required to apply for the J-1 visa, a temporary, non-immigrant visa issued only to exchange visitors.
What is a J-1 Visa?
The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that enables individuals to participate in U.S. exchange programs approved by the Department of State. It facilitates cultural exchange and intellectual collaboration, strengthening ties between the United States and other nations.
Who Is Eligible for a J-1 Visa?
The J-1 visa has 15 categories of eligible roles, which are as follows:
- Au Pair – A participant who must receive a job offer from an American family for providing special care to children.
- Camp Counselor – Typically a foreign post-secondary student, youth worker, teacher, or someone with specialized skills.
- College and University Student
- Secondary School Student
- Government Visitor – An individual visiting the U.S. for a government-sponsored program or event.
- International Visitor – A person recognized for their expertise or influence in a particular field, selected by the U.S. State Department.
- Physician
- Professor
- Research Scholar
- Short-Term Scholar
- Specialist
- Summer Work Travel
- Teacher
- Trainee
- Intern
A J-1 visa is applied by the student under the College or University student program, after which they are allowed to study at that particular educational institution in the United States and remain in the country for the course that the student is interested in pursuing from the institute.
However, it is to be kept in mind that it is a temporary non-immigrant visa, which means that it is given to visitors only for a temporary visit and that they must return to their home country once their course is complete.
What are J-1 Visa Requirements?
For your successful application, the following are the requirements that are to be fulfilled:
- The applicant has to ensure that more than 50% of his funding for the program should come from the accredited institution as the sponsor.
- The applicant is required to pass the English proficiency test and pass with the required score of the college or university where he/she is hoping to enroll.
- The applicant is required to have medical insurance that meets the minimum standards set by the U.S. Department of State and the specific requirements of the university or sponsor.
- The applicant must be well versed with the selected program, and the sponsor is required to provide the applicant with any related information and conduct an orientation about the same.
- The applicant and the sponsor must actively maintain their status as a J-1 student.
- The applicant must have a passport that is valid for at least six months ahead of your program completion date.
- You must be enrolled in a program that is for full-time study for the academic session.
- If the applicant changes residence while living in the U.S., then he has to update the sponsor and the university within 10 days.
How to Apply for a J-1 Visa?
J-1 visa has different requirements from different countries for application qualification, which is why the best way is to refer to the U.S. consulate office in the home country. Here are the typical steps that are to be followed:
Step 1: Complete Form DS-160: Form DS-160 is called the “Online Non-immigrant Visa Application,” which is the first form to be filled out by the applicant. Once it is done, you have to take the printout of the confirmation page as it is usually required at the interview stage. This application can also be submitted online through the State Department’s portal.
Step 2: Scheduling an Interview: After your application is submitted, you can schedule an interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. If you are 13 years old or younger or above 80 years old, then an interview is not generally required.
Step 3: Fees: Payment of fees is usually made after the interview, but in some countries, the applicants are required to pay fees before the interview. To proceed, you can refer to the U.S. embassy website to complete the payment.
Step 4: Gather documents: Once the payment is made and you have the receipt, you must gather your documents for verification at your interview.
Step 5: Interview: At the interview, the interviewer may ask questions relating to the application and will verify all your documents. You might also be required to give your fingerprints at this stage.
Finally, if the visa is approved, no further administrative processing will be required. The applicant will have to retrieve their passport and visa. Now, the applicant will be allowed to enter the U.S. While entering, they are expected to bring their passport, visa, and Form DS-2019 to the airport.
What Are The Documents Required For A J-1 Visa?
The required documents are as follows:
- A passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay in the U.S.
- Two passport-size photos
- Receipt of payment
- Confirmation page for the DS-160.
- Form DS-7002 for those who are applying through the trainee and intern program
- DS-2019 form, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.
The interviewer may, if required, further ask for documents as evidence to prove that the applicant intends to return home after the completion of the program.
Who can become a Sponsor for J-1 Visa?
The U.S. Secretary of State appoints organizations as official J-1 visa sponsors. These sponsors can come from various sectors, including:
Type of Organization | |
| Government Agencies | Federal or state-level agencies involved in cultural or educational exchange programs. |
| Educational Institutions | Universities, colleges, or schools offering academic opportunities to foreign participants. |
| Academic Organizations | Associations that promote educational exchange, such as research bodies or academic societies. |
| Cultural Organizations | Entities hosting cultural exchange programs, such as arts or heritage organizations. |
| Non-Profit Organizations | Organizations focused on public service or social benefit initiatives. |
| For-Profit Organizations | Businesses that operate exchange programs, often in specific fields such as hospitality or internships. |
What Is the Processing Cost of A J-1 Visa?
Multiple fee criteria are associated with a J-1 visa, which is dependent on various factors of the application:
- Program Fees: This fee (which varies) is charged by the program sponsors. It typically covers the handling and shipping the DS-2019 application, insurance, and support services provided throughout the program.
- Consular Costs: For every country, the charges may differ for this visa application, so it is recommended that you visit their local consulate for any additional processing fees, such as biometric fees.
- J-1 Visa Petition Costs: This is the mandatory fee, including
- SEVIS fee: $220 (Program sponsor might pay for this)
- DS-160 fee: $160. (The US government pays this if your program is funded).
- Biometrics fee: There may be an additional $85 biometrics fee. The SEVIS fee is used to manage the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which must be paid at least three business days before the visa interview.
- Visa extension: $367
- Non-immigrant application processing fee: $185
- If you want to get a waiver on the J-1 visa then you’ll have to get a DS-3035 Application for Recommendation of a J-1 Waiver, which incurs a fee of $120.
What Are The Important Features Of A J-1 Visa?
The J-1 visa has several key features that make it flexible for participants:
- Multiple Entries: It can be issued for single (“S”) or multiple entries (“M”), depending on the application. J-1 holders can travel outside the U.S. for up to 30 days without long-term travel authorization but must obtain a travel validation signature on their DS-2019 form from their sponsor.
- Extension or Renewal: The visa can be extended if additional time is needed to complete the program. Authorization must be obtained from the sponsor, and the extension will be reflected on the updated DS-2019 form.
Can I Work During My J-1 Visa?
Yes, it is allowed to work while you study, but there are certain conditions to it, those are mentioned below:
- If you are working during your academic session, then you can only work part-time, that is only 20 hours a week.
- If you are working during breaks, then you are allowed to work full-time.
- You are not allowed to work outside the campus. For that, you need authorization from the sponsor and university.
Is Insurance Required For A J-1 Visa?
The U.S. Department of State mandates that J1 visa holders must hold primary insurance and medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. The insurance must be valid during the days of stay in the United States. The minimum levels of health insurance coverage must provide:
- Medical benefits: Coverage of at least $100,000 per accident or illness.
- Deductible: Should not exceed $500 per accident or illness (the amount you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance starts covering expenses).
- Medical evacuation: At least $50,000 (covers costs if you need to be transported to another country for treatment).
- Repatriation: At least $25,000 (covers costs to return your remains to your home country in case of death).
- Co-payments: Should not exceed 25% of the medical expenses (this is the portion of the bill you’re responsible for after insurance pays its share).
What Is The 2-year Rule For A J-1 Visa?
The two-year home-country physical presence requirement is a provision that applies to certain individuals who participate in J-1 visa exchange programs, as per which the applicant is required to return to their home country for two years after completing their program if they want to apply for any other form of visa to come to the United states.
Can I Enter The United States More Than 30 Days In Advance Via J1 Visa?
Students or Exchange visitors entering the United States are not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days or before their program start dates. However, if you want to enter early, you will have to apply for a visitor visa.
What is the J-1 Visa Processing Time?
The processing time for a J-1 Visa is generally between 8 weeks to 13 weeks. However, the interview timelines have an impact on the overall processing time. Remember that visa interview timelines can vary and affect the total processing time.
Conclusion
The J-1 visa is a unique opportunity for foreign visitors to participate in cultural and educational programs in the U.S. However, applying for it involves multiple steps, starting with verifying your eligibility and then carefully filling out the application forms. Even minor errors can cause unnecessary delays.
This is where FileRight makes a difference, by guiding you through the process, ensuring your application is complete and accurate, and giving you the confidence to focus on your program and future goals!
