Lori Meadows
The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the United States for a temporary stay if they are participating in an exchange visitor program. The first step in obtaining a J-1 visa is to apply for an exchange visitor program through a pre-approved organization in the United States. Once accepted into a program, students will automatically be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and will receive a Form DS-2019, also known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. This form is required to schedule an interview with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and to apply for the J-1 visa. Students must also submit Form DS-160, the online nonimmigrant visa electronic application, and may need to complete additional forms depending on their specific category and circumstances. It is important to initiate the visa application process well in advance, as it can take several weeks or even longer to obtain a J-1 visa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa |
| Who can get it? | International students participating in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs |
| How to apply? | Find a sponsoring organization and apply for the J1 visa |
| Sponsoring organization | Designated sponsor organizations are listed on the United States Department of State's official website |
| Application fee | $185 |
| Application form | DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status |
| Additional forms | DS-7002 (for exchange visitor trainees or intern visa applicants); DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application |
| Time taken | Several weeks, occasionally longer |
| Validity | Two to three years, depending on the program |
| Grace period | 30 days after the visa expires to arrange travel back home |
| Extension | Possible by requesting an extension of the program |
| Interview | Required; short, averaging 5 minutes |
| Interview questions | Focused on academic plans, future career goals, and financial situation |
| Documents required | Passport, visa, DS-2019 form, visa fee receipt |
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What You'll Learn
Finding a sponsoring organisation
To obtain a J1 visa, you must find a sponsoring organisation to accept you into their program. The U.S. Department of State maintains an official list of designated sponsor organisations, and it is recommended that you search for this list online. These sponsors cater to J1 visa holders from a multitude of countries, charging fees to either the student, the host organisation, the government, or a combination of these entities.
Sponsoring organisations can be government agencies, educational institutions, academic organisations, cultural organisations, non-profit organisations, and for-profit organisations. They are responsible for various tasks, including screening and selecting eligible applicants, providing orientation support, ensuring exchange visitors have all the information and materials they need, monitoring participation in the program, and providing assistance as required.
If you are an organisation looking to hire a J1 visa holder, you must work with a J1 Visa sponsor organisation to ensure the individual is properly sponsored and eligible to work for you. If your company has at least three years of experience with international exchange and can provide documentation of past exchange programs, you can apply to be a J-1 visa sponsorship company. The first step is to open an account on SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) and fill out an online application with information about the company, program, and program officers.
Some examples of J1 visa sponsors include Cultural Vistas, which is a designated sponsor for international Research Scholars, Short-Term Scholars, Specialists, Interns, Trainees, and Teachers, and Intrax Global Internships, which helps prospective international interns obtain their J-1 visas so they can travel to the U.S. for an Exchange Visitor Program.
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Applying for the J1 visa
Find a Sponsoring Organization
Firstly, you need to find a designated sponsor to accept you into their program. Sponsoring organizations can be based anywhere in the United States and can place participants throughout the country. The United States Department of State has an official list of designated sponsor organizations. Many of these organizations screen participants and look for proficient English language skills. Your sponsoring organization will guide you through the application process.
Apply for an Exchange Visitor Program
The next step is to apply for an exchange visitor program through a pre-approved organization in the United States. Once accepted into a qualifying program, you will automatically be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Submit Form DS-2019
After being accepted into an exchange program, your sponsor will register you in SEVIS, and you will receive Form DS-2019, the "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status". This form is issued by your sponsoring organization and includes a description of the exchange program, including dates and costs. This form is required for your visa interview and for entry into the United States.
Submit Form DS-160
You must complete and submit Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, several days before your visa interview. This form includes uploading a photo, which must meet visa photo requirements.
Additional Forms
Depending on your specific program, you may need to submit additional forms, such as Form DS-7002 for J-1 visa applicants in the Trainee and Intern categories.
Pay Fees
You will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of your J-1 visa application. Additionally, there is a visa application fee of $185, which may need to be paid before your interview.
Schedule an Interview
Schedule an interview appointment at your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Waiting times for interviews vary, so it is recommended to apply as early as possible. During the interview, you will be asked about your program, intentions after completion, and how you plan to cover expenses. It is important to stress that you intend to return to your home country after the program and provide documentation of your binding ties to your home country.
Receive Your Visa
After a successful interview, you will be granted your J1 visa, allowing you to enter the United States and participate in your chosen exchange program.
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Preparing for the interview
Know the Visa Requirements:
Before the interview, familiarize yourself with the J1 visa requirements. Understand the specific category of your J1 visa, such as student, intern, or au pair, as the requirements vary. For example, if you are applying for an intern visa, you must be enrolled at a university or have graduated recently. Knowing the exact requirements for your category will help you tailor your responses during the interview.
Gather Necessary Documents:
Ensure you have all the necessary documents for your interview. The specific documents may vary, but some standard ones include your passport, visa, DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status), DS-7002 Form (for trainees and interns), and DS-160 Form (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application). All documents must be in English, and some may require an apostille stamp. Check with your local visa office or sponsoring organization for a detailed list of required documents.
Understand the Interview Questions:
During the interview, consular officers will ask questions about your program, intentions after the program, academic plans, career goals, and financial situation. They want to understand your motivation for choosing a particular program and how it aligns with your future goals. Be prepared to explain your plans and any financial considerations, such as how you intend to pay for your education and living expenses.
Demonstrate Strong Ties to Your Home Country:
Officers will also assess your intention to return to your home country after completing the program. It is essential to emphasize your ties to your home country and provide documentation that supports this. This can include proof of employment, family ties, or property ownership in your home country. Demonstrating these strong connections will help reassure the officers of your temporary stay intentions.
Be Conversational and Authentic:
Approach the interview as a conversation rather than a rehearsed speech. Consular officers are trained to assess your authenticity and sincerity. Avoid memorized answers, and instead, focus on sharing your personal plans and motivations genuinely. This will help them understand your unique situation and intentions better.
Attend the Interview on Time:
Visa interviews are typically brief, averaging around 5 minutes. Ensure you arrive at the consulate or embassy on time for your scheduled appointment. Respecting the interview duration and timing demonstrates your respect for the process and the officers' time.
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Paying the fees
SEVIS I-901 Fee:
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a crucial component of the J1 visa process. All exchange visitors must be registered in SEVIS, and once your registration is active, you will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee is typically paid to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and can be done online. In some cases, this fee might already be included in your program fees paid to your sponsoring organization. The SEVIS fee is a mandatory requirement and must be paid before submitting your visa application.
Visa Application Fee:
The J1 visa application process also incurs a cost. The standard application fee for a J1 visa is $185. In some cases, you may be required to pay this fee before attending your visa interview. It is important to check with your sponsoring organization, as they might cover your visa application expenses. Remember to bring the receipt as proof of payment when attending your interview.
Other Possible Expenses:
There may be additional costs associated with obtaining a J1 visa, such as the Form DS-2019 fee. After being accepted into an exchange program, your sponsor will register you in SEVIS, and you may be required to pay a fee for the DS-2019 form. It is important to check with your program sponsor, as they might cover these expenses. Additionally, you may need to purchase health insurance, which is mandatory for J1 visa holders, and your sponsor is responsible for ensuring you have the necessary coverage.
Timing of Payments:
It is important to plan and make payments in a timely manner. The SEVIS I-901 fee must be paid once your SEVIS registration is active, and before submitting your visa application. The visa application fee may also need to be paid in advance, so ensure you are well-informed about the requirements. Remember that the processing of your J1 visa can take several weeks, so it is advisable to start the process early.
Fee Exemptions:
It is worth noting that some exchange programs might include the SEVIS I-901 fee and visa application fee as part of their overall program fees. Sponsoring organizations sometimes cover these expenses for their participants. Therefore, it is essential to communicate with your sponsoring organization to understand their policies on fee payments and any financial support they may provide.
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Visa extensions
A J-1 visa extension allows exchange visitors to stay in the United States for a longer period of time. This is usually granted to those who are still working on a research project or exchange program after the end date stated on their DS-2019 form. The extension allows J-1 visa holders to complete their programs and gain cultural knowledge to share in their home countries, as required by the J-1 visa.
How to Apply for an Extension
To apply for an extension, you must notify your department administrator at least one or two months before the end date on your DS-2019 form. You must also submit your application at least 10 days before your visa expiration date. If you miss this deadline, you will be unable to apply.
Your program sponsor must fill out a new DS-2019 form, which will reflect the new period of stay. This document will legally extend your stay in the U.S. as long as you remain in the country. If you leave the U.S. during this period, you will need a valid J-1 visa in your passport to re-enter.
You will also need to provide evidence of financial resources to cover the cost of application fees, tuition (if applicable), and living expenses for at least one year. If your program sponsor is funding your program and visa, this does not apply.
Duration of Extension
The duration of a J-1 visa extension varies depending on the circumstances. In some cases, extensions can last up to five or seven years, usually for research scholars, teachers, or professors completing projects. The longest extensions are typically granted to International Communications Agency (ICA) employees, who can stay for up to 10 years.
It's important to note that if your extension is denied, you must immediately return to your home country. There is a 30-day grace period after the completion date on your DS-2019 form, but you will be considered "out of status" during this time, which can have serious consequences for future visa applications.
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Frequently asked questions
The J1 exchange visitor visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows participants to temporarily come to the United States if they are participating in one of the J1 Visa programs.
The requirements for a J1 visa vary depending on the category of the exchange program. For example, if you are applying for a J1 visa in the intern category, you must be currently enrolled at a university or other post-secondary academic institution outside the US, or have graduated in the last 12 months.
To apply for a J1 visa, you will need to find a sponsoring organization and apply for the J1 visa through a pre-approved organization in the United States. Once you are accepted into a program, you will automatically be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and will receive a DS-2019 form. You will then need to submit this form to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to get an interview.
The processing time for a J1 visa can vary, but it typically takes several weeks and occasionally longer. It is recommended to submit your visa application as early as possible.
