Exchange Visitor (J) Visa for the U.S.

Exchange visitor (J) visas are nonimmigrant visas. This visa facility is for those who want to participate in an approved exchange visitor program to arrive in the United States for an elevating learning experience. Through these programs, an interchange of knowledge, persons, and skills in the fields of education, arts, and sciences happens between Americans and the rest of the world.

There are different exchange visitor programs. Here are the various programs and their specific eligibility criteria:

• Au Pair
• Short-Term Scholar
• Professor & Research Scholar
• Physician
• Intern
• Trainee
• Specialist
• Secondary School Student
• College and University Student
• Summer Work Travel
• Camp Counselor
• Government Visitor Program
• International Visitor Program
• Teacher 

To apply for a J visa, you must submit the following:

• A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must apply and possess their valid passport.
• One (1) 2”x2” (5cmx5cm) photograph taken within the last six months. 
• Unless your J program is sponsored by the United States Government (with a program code beginning with a “G”), you must present a receipt showing payment of your US$160 non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, paid in local currency. If a visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on your nationality. The Department of State’s website can help you find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is.
• An approved DS-2019 from your U.S. program.
• Unless your J program is sponsored by the United States Government (with a program code beginning with a “G”), you must pay your Form I-901 SEVIS fee The SEVIS website has more information.

In addition to these items, you must present an interview appointment letter confirming that you booked an appointment through this service. You may also bring whatever supporting documents you believe will support the information provided to the consular officer.

• First potential participants must have chosen a sponsor, as the J-1 visa is not granted to anyone without a sponsor. You must have health insurance coverage, and it is the responsibility of the sponsors to ensure that you have purchased one. Reach out to the sponsor to tell them your job offer, and you are ready to apply for the J visa. All the required documents must submit to the sponsor. Here is some list you may ask for provide:
  • A PDF copy of all pages of your current passport.
  • Your resume in English the same one you applied for the job.
  • The job advertisement with the whole job description.
  • Highest degree certificate copy.
  • Transcript of the highest Degree.
  • Copy of all the job and internship contracts of your field.
  • One copy of the digital 2″ x 2” photograph taken within the last six months.
• Apply through filing the DS-160 form online. After the submission of the DS-160 form, we should make a PDF copy and print each DS-160 Submission Confirmation Page.
• Pay the visa application fee (those sponsored by a U.S agency are exempt from paying the (fee)
• Pay the (Student and Exchange Visitor System Information) SEVIS I-901 fee.
• Schedule a visa interview. There are some required documents below to the face embassy for the appointment:
  • PDF copies of the colored version of the DS-160 confirmation page(s)
  • The MRV fee receipt PDF copy
  • Visa appointment confirmation page PDF copy

The dependent of the J visa holder is eligible for J-2 classification. There are required some supporting documents for the dependent. Here is the list:

• Evidence of their relationship with the J visa holder
• Every dependent should have their Form DS-2019. This form is required to obtain a visa.

J visa holders must return to their home country for a minimum of cumulative two years immediately after the ending of the program, and it must be completed. J visa holders cannot obtain permanent residence, a U.S immigrant visa, or a temporary nonimmigrant working visa without completing this requirement. After the two years are completed, they can return to the U.S or any other country.