Required Core Form
Program Categories
Duration Varies
Home Residency Rule
Fostering cultural exchange and international understanding
The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa managed by the U.S. Department of State (DoS) designed for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. These programs promote mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through cultural and educational exchanges.
J-1 visa holders are sponsored by private and public entities designated by the Department of State, which issue Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. This is your core document for the J-1 visa application process.
The J-1 visa covers diverse programs aimed at cultural and educational exchange, including students, research scholars, teachers, trainees, interns, au pairs, camp counselors, and more. Each category has specific requirements and duration limits.
Multiple program types for different exchange purposes
Full-time academic study under exchange rules. Similar to F-1 but involves a designated sponsor organization and may include additional program requirements.
For individuals primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at educational institutions, or conducting research.
For individuals receiving structured and guided work-based training in their academic field or professional area.
For post-secondary students to work and travel in the United States during their summer vacation to experience U.S. culture.
For individuals providing live-in childcare to U.S. host families while experiencing American life and culture.
For foreign medical graduates pursuing graduate medical education or training. Must be sponsored by ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates).
Other categories include: Camp Counselor, Teacher, Short-term Scholar, Specialist, Secondary School Student, Government Visitor, and International Visitor. Each has specific eligibility requirements and program parameters.
Critical requirement that may affect your future immigration options
Certain J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents must return to their country of last legal residence for a cumulative total of two years at the end of their exchange program. During this time, they cannot change status to certain visa categories or apply for permanent residency.
Note: These restrictions apply until you fulfill the two-year requirement OR obtain a waiver.
You are subject to the two-year rule if ANY of these apply:
Your program is financed in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by the U.S. government or your home country government.
Your home country has deemed your field of specialized knowledge or skill necessary for development (Exchange Visitor Skills List).
You are receiving graduate medical education or training in the United States.
Look at Box 7 on your Form DS-2019. If it says "Subject" or has an annotation, you are subject to 212(e).
Your J-1 visa stamp may have an annotation indicating you're subject to the two-year requirement.
You can request an official Advisory Opinion from the Department of State's Waiver Review Division.
If you're subject to the two-year requirement, you may be eligible to apply for a waiver based on one of these grounds:
Your home country's government issues a statement that it has no objection to you not returning.
A U.S. federal government agency requests the waiver on your behalf (rare).
You can demonstrate you would face persecution if required to return to your home country.
Your departure would cause exceptional hardship to your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or child.
Important: Waiver applications are complex and require careful preparation. Success rates vary significantly based on the waiver type and individual circumstances. We strongly recommend consulting with an immigration attorney before applying.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your waiver eligibility
Step-by-step guide to obtaining your J-1 exchange visitor visa
Apply to and be accepted by a U.S. Department of State-approved sponsor organization. The sponsor will enroll you in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Your sponsor will issue Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. You must then pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online.
Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) on the Consular Electronic Application Center website. Print the confirmation page with barcode.
Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee and schedule your visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Appear at the embassy or consulate for your visa interview. Bring all required documents and be prepared to explain your exchange program and return plans.
If approved, you may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form DS-2019. Upon arrival, you'll go through CBP inspection.
Family members and employment options for J-1 exchange visitors
Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of J-1 exchange visitors are eligible for J-2 dependent status to accompany or join the J-1 principal in the United States.
J-2 spouses (but not children) may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS to work in the United States.
J-2 spouses are eligible to apply for work authorization with no restrictions on type of employment.
J-2 children (under 21) are not eligible for employment authorization.
J-2 employment income cannot be used to support the J-1 principal—it must be for the J-2's own support or family necessities.
J-1 exchange visitors' work authorization is limited to employment specified in their exchange program and authorized on their DS-2019. Additional work opportunities may be available through Academic Training (for students and scholars).
The J-1 visa's complexity—especially the 212(e) two-year home residency requirement—requires careful planning and expert advice. Don't let program restrictions or waiver options catch you by surprise. Our experienced consultants help you understand your obligations, explore waiver possibilities, and plan your future immigration pathway.
Expert advice • Waiver guidance • Future planning
Deep knowledge of J-1 categories
Navigate the waiver process
H-1B and green card pathways
J-2 dependent guidance
The J-1 visa's complexity—especially the 212(e) two-year home residency requirement—requires careful planning and expert advice. Don't let program restrictions or waiver options catch you by surprise. Our experienced consultants help you understand your obligations, explore waiver possibilities, and plan your future immigration pathway.
Expert advice • Waiver guidance • Future planning
Deep knowledge of J-1 categories
Navigate the waiver process
H-1B and green card pathways
J-2 dependent guidance