The J-1 visa allows foreign nationals to participate in exchange visitor programs in the US for study, research, or cultural exchange, requiring sponsorship, a valid passport, and a Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019).
What is J1 Visa in USA?
The J1 visa is intended for applicants who are interested in pursuing education, an internship, or getting hands-on training in the US for a short period. The J-1 visa program allows individuals to both study and work, at the same time. This non-immigrant visa allows international applicants to enter the US to participate in cultural exchange and gain profession-related skills. Over 170,000 J1 visa holders are in the US working, studying, or teaching. Individuals can come to the US through sponsorship through either a governmental program or a private organization.
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Subcategories of the J-1 Visa
Total of 15 different J-1 categories are distinguished depending on the purpose of the stay. The following table provides an overview of which category corresponds to which travel purpose.
| J-1 CATEGORY | OVERVIEW |
| Au Pair | childcare in a US host familyfurther au pair stays possible after a 2-year stay outside the USAduration: 12 months (can be extended by a further 6, 9 or 12 months) |
| Camp Counselor | supervision of school groupsduration: varies depending on the camp and sponsor |
| College and University Student | study with a government scholarshippart-time work on-campus possible (full-time work during semester breaks)duration: for non-degree students max. 24 months; for degree students depending on program length |
| Government Visitor | government visit to strengthen professional and personal relationships with US federal, state or local government agenciesduration: max. 18 months |
| Intern | study-related internship for students or graduatesfurther internships possible after at least 1 semester outside the USAduration: max. 12 months |
| International Visitor | promoting understanding of foreign cultures through cultural ambassadors selected by the U.S. State Departmentduration: max. 12 months |
| Physician | doctors in training and further education for the purpose of observation, consultation, research or teachingduration: max. 5 years |
| Professor | promoting ideas and research projects and fostering cooperation between research institutions in the USA and other countriesfurther program participations possible every 24 monthsduration: depending on the length of the planned project in the USA, max. 5 years (exceptions possible) |
| Research Scholar | promoting ideas and research projects and fostering cooperation between research institutions in the USA and other countriesfurther program participations possible every 24 monthsduration: depending on the length of the planned project in the USA, max. 5 years (exceptions possible) |
| Secondary School Student | high school exchangestart often only possible in the summer semester |
| Short-Term Scholar | research or teaching trip by academics with specialized knowledgeduration: max. 6 months |
| Specialist | knowledge exchange between foreign and US expertsduration: max. 12 months |
| Summer Work Travel | summer jobs for students (during semester breaks)work permit for almost any seasonal jobfurther program participation possible (as long as student status is maintained)duration: 4 months between May and October |
| Teacher | full-time teaching at recognized primary and secondary schoolsteaching cultural aspects of the home countryenabling a dialog between US students and students in the home countryfurther program participation possible after a 2-year stay outside the USADuration: 3 years, extendable to max. 5 years |
| Trainee | job-related internship or training for graduates or young professionalsfurther program participation possible after a 2-year stay outside the USAduration: max. 18 months |
Importance of J1 Visa in US for Study
J-1 visa is an important non-immigrant visa for those seeking to participate in study-based exchange visitor programs in the United States. Here are some key points about the importance of the J-1 visa for study purposes:
- J-1 visa allows foreign nationals to participate in a variety of academic and educational programs in the U.S., including student internships, study abroad programs, language training programs, and specialized training programs.
- J-1 visa program promotes cultural exchange between the U.S. and other countries. It enables international students and scholars to experience American culture and society while sharing their own cultures with Americans.
- Many J-1 visa programs offer opportunities for professional development and training in various fields, such as medicine, business, and science. This can help individuals enhance their skills and knowledge while contributing to their respective fields.
- J-1 visa allows international students and scholars to attend and participate in programs at prestigious U.S. educational institutions, which may not be accessible or available in their home countries.
- In some cases, the J-1 visa can serve as a stepping stone for individuals who wish to pursue further study or employment opportunities in the U.S. through other visa categories, such as the F-1 (student) visa or the H-1B (speciality occupation) visa.
It’s important to note that the J-1 visa program has specific requirements and regulations, including a two-year home residence requirement in some cases, which means that participants must return to their home countries for at least two years after completing their program before being eligible for certain other visa categories or permanent residency in the U.S.
J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant US visa which allows individuals to both work and study at the same time. The visa is issued on a temporary basis to individuals who want to visit the US as part of a work and travel program.
There are many categories of J-1 Visa which are available to individuals based on their requirements and eligibility criteria. Based on the type of the J-1 Visa program, the applicant will need to find a sponsoring organization to carry out the application process.
J-1 Visa Application
In order to apply for the J-1 Visa program, an applicant is required to follow these steps:
- Finding a Sponsor
Before applying for the J-1 Visa, the applicant is required to find a sponsoring organization who can also assist while carrying out the application. The list of designated sponsors can be obtained from the United States Department of State. Based on the applicant’s profile and proficiency in the English language, the sponsor may enrol an applicant to a J-1 Visa program. - Applying for the DS-2019
After finding a sponsorship organisation and obtaining an approval, the applicant is required to submit the completed DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status). The form allows the applicant to schedule an interview with the US embassy/consulate. Details such as the description of the exchange program including the program start and end date, cost of the program, etc. are a part of the DS-2019 form. - Paying the visa fees
The applicant needs to ensure that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) SEVIS I-901 fee is paid. Depending on the type of the program, either the applicant or the sponsoring organization is required to pay the visa fee. Once the fee is paid, the applicant is required to obtain the visa fee payment receipt. In addition to the SEVIS I-901 fee, the applicant is also required to pay the non-immigrant visa application processing fee of $160. If the applicant’s program is with the US Government, US Agency for International Development (USAID), Department of State or a US Government-funded educational and cultural exchange program, he/she is not required to pay the non-immigrant visa application processing fee as a part of the J-1 Visa application. - Visa interview
After the fee is paid, the applicant will need to schedule an interview with the US embassy/consulate to get the final approval for the visa. Based on the applicant’s location and other factors, it may take a while to get a desired schedule for the interview. Applicants are recommended to initiate the process as early as possible to ensure their travel plans are not affected. During the interview, applicants will be asked certain questions to understand their plans after the completion of the specific program. If the applicant is able to convince the consular that he/she has intentions of returning to the home country after the program ends, there are more chances of getting an approval. Additionally, proof of sufficient funds to support the trip is an essential factor for the visa interview process. When it comes to documents, the applicant is expected to carry the DS-2019 Form, DS-7002 Form (applicable for exchange trainees or intern visa applicants), Form DS-160, copy of Online Application, valid passport (with at least six month of validity after the end of the program, recent photograph (as per the specifications), and other documents based on the applicant’s profile and the program.
J-1 Visa Eligibility
In order to apply for the J-1 Visa, the applicant is required to meet the eligibility criteria based on the category of the programs. Certain programs may require the applicant to appear for the interview, however, it is not applicable to all categories. Following are few of the eligibility factors to qualify for the J-1 Visa program:
- Proficiency in the English language – The applicant must pass the proficiency test for the English language.
- Insurance – The applicants and their dependents are required to obtain a medical insurance to be eligible for the application process. Based on the type of the program, the insurance must provide the minimum level of benefits as per the program regulations.
- J-1 Visa Fees – The following charges are applicable to the J-1 Visa application:
- Program fee – Depending on the program category, sponsor organisation, duration of the program, and other factors, a certain amount of program fee will be paid by the applicant, however, if the applicant is going to be a part of a federally funded program, he/she may be exempted from paying the program fee.
- SEVIS fee – As a part of the application, the applicant will be required to produce the payment receipt applicable for the form DS-2019. The SEVIS fee is payable to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by either the applicant or the sponsoring organisation based on the category of the program.
- Application processing fee – All applicants applying for a non-immigrant visa are required to pay the non-immigrant visa application processing fee. Once the payment is made, the receipt is needed for the interview process. Applicants under the G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-7 category under the form DS-2019 are not required to pay the visa fee.
J1 Visa Processing Time
A few different stages in the J-1 visa application process add to the total U.S. J-1 visa processing time. Although some pieces of the application procedure go by quickly — just fill out a form and you’re done — others take a while, requiring you to wait for administrative officials to process and review your documents.
The following three steps each have their own processing time:
- Obtaining a DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status)
- Scheduling a J-1 visa interview
- Getting approval for your J-1 visa
- Let’s explore each of these steps in more detail.
DS-2019 Processing Time
The first key step in the J-1 visa application process is getting your Form DS-2019. You’ll need this document before you can schedule an interview and get final approval for your J-1 visa.
Getting the DS-2019 is a process in and of itself. Sponsor organizations like Intrax Global Internships can only issue your DS-2019 once you have completed all of these tasks:
Completed an Online DS-2019 Application
- Submitted the required J-1 visa documents, including a Training Placement Plan that you complete with your host company
- Paid all the fees for your program
- Confirmed your internship or training placement with your host company
Once you’ve done that, Intrax Global Internships can process and send you your DS-2019. The J-1 visa processing time for your Form DS-2019 is up to four weeks. The company needs that time to review your application, process your forms, and ship the DS-2019 directly to your home address.
That means that the first step of the J-1 visa application process might take around a month. You can make this process faster by completing your application steps as quickly as possible: if you fill out your forms, gather your documents, and pay your fees rapidly, then you can move onto the next step of the application process sooner.
J-1 Visa Interview Processing Time
Once you have your Form DS-2019, complete your pre-departure orientation, and fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application form (DS-160), you’re ready for the next stage in the process: scheduling and attending your J-1 visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
The wait time for interviews can vary depending on your home country: some countries receive more visa applications or have more of a backlog, which means it will take longer for you to have your interview. You can learn your embassy’s wait time by visiting the United States’ visa appointment wait times website. The website lists estimated appointment wait times, based on workload and staffing, for three types of visas:
- Visitor visas
- Student and exchange visitor visas
- Other nonimmigrant visas
Student and exchange visitor visa wait times can vary widely — just look at the different visa wait times for these different cities as of August 2021:
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: 192 calendar days
- Almaty, Kazakhstan: 79 calendar days
- Amsterdam, the Netherlands: 190 calendar days
- Bujumbura, Burundi: 7 calendar days
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia: 9 calendar days
- Taipei, Taiwan: 32 calendar days
- Warsaw, Poland: 15 calendar days
Visa Approval Processing Time
After your J-1 visa interview, approval depends on the embassy. Some issue visas immediately, and you’ll leave with your J-1 visa foil in hand. Others mail it to you in days or weeks. In rare cases, “administrative processing” delays things further—requiring extra documents or checks. This can take anywhere from weeks to months, with the U.S. State Department suggesting a 180-day wait before inquiring, unless it’s an emergency.
Fastest Scenario (a few weeks):
- Expedited DS-2019
- Short interview wait
- Instant visa issuance
Slowest Scenario (multiple months):
- Standard DS-2019
- Long interview wait
- Mailed visa or administrative processing
Grace Periods:
You can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program start date and must leave within 30 days after it ends (per Form DS-2019). During these periods, you’re under USCIS jurisdiction—no work or program activities allowed. Book flights only after visa approval to avoid timing issues.
Extensions & Waivers:
- J-1 Extension: Update DS-7002 and DS-2019 via your program officer. Processing takes weeks—faster than the initial visa since no interview is needed. Apply early to avoid expiration.
- Waiver (2-year home-country rule): Processing varies widely—case-specific with no fixed timeline.
FAQs
1. What is a J1 Visa?
A J1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the U.S. government for individuals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs. It is commonly used by students, interns, trainees, teachers, and researchers.
2. Who is eligible for a J1 Visa?
Eligibility varies depending on the specific exchange program, but in general, applicants must:
- Be accepted into a U.S. Department of State-approved exchange program
- Have sufficient financial support
- Meet English proficiency requirements
3. What is the J1 Visa application process?
- Find a U.S.-approved exchange program sponsor
- Receive a DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) from the sponsor
- Pay the SEVIS fee
- Complete the DS-160 visa application form
- Schedule and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate
4. How much does a J1 Visa cost?
The J1 Visa costs include:
- SEVIS fee: $220
- Visa application (DS-160) fee: $185
- Additional fees may apply depending on the program or country-specific charges
5. How long does J1 Visa processing take?
Processing time varies but typically includes:
- SEVIS processing: A few days
- Visa interview wait time: Varies by country (can be weeks or months)
- Overall processing: Usually 4-8 weeks, but expedited processing may be available
6. Can a J1 Visa holder bring family members?
Yes, J1 Visa holders can bring their spouse and children (under 21) on a J2 Visa. J2 holders can study and may apply for work authorization.
7. Can a J1 Visa holder work in the U.S.?
J1 Visa holders can work only under the conditions specified by their program. Some programs allow part-time work with restrictions.
8. Is there a J1 Visa 2-year home residency requirement?
Some J1 Visa holders must return to their home country for two years after the program before applying for certain U.S. visas or permanent residency. Waivers are available in certain cases.
9. Can a J1 Visa be extended or changed to another visa type?
- Extensions depend on the program and sponsor approval.
- Changing to another visa type (like H1B or Green Card) is possible but may require a waiver of the two-year home residency rule.
10. How can I check my J1 Visa status?
Check your visa application status on the CEAC website (https://ceac.state.gov) and SEVIS status through your program sponsor.
