All That You Need to Know about Applying for a J1 Visa

A J1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals participating in U.S.-based exchange visitor programs. This visa allows applicants to engage in educational, cultural, or professional exchanges. Some of the most common J1 visa categories include students, research scholars, professors, teachers, and physicians. The visa is temporary and program-specific, meaning participants must return to their home country after completing the program.

How to Apply for a J1 Visa

Step 1. Choose an exchange program/sponsor

The first thing you need to do is choose the program you want to participate in. As mentioned earlier, there are many different J1 visa programs to choose from. After you have selected a program, you must find a designated sponsor.

Once you have gained acceptance into the sponsor’s program, they will help place you in an institution/school, assist with the J1 visa application process, and be your main point of contact throughout the duration of your program. Unless you are part of a federally funded exchange program, you will need to pay your program’s fees. The fees will depend on your sponsor, the program category, and the program duration.

Step 2. Complete DS-2019 form

The DS-2019 form, previously known as the IAP-66 form, is needed in order to get an interview with a U.S. embassy. It will be provided by the Responsible Officer (RO) or the Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) of your sponsor. It will contain a description of the visitor’s program, the category of the program, the start and end date of the program, and the estimated cost of the program.

Along with the DS-2019 form, you will have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to the Department of Homeland Security. In some cases, your sponsor may have included this fee in your program fees. Whether you pay it yourself or your sponsor pays for it as part of your fees, be sure to get the receipt as proof of payment.

Step 3. Submit DS-2019 form and any other required documents

There are multiple documents that you will need to submit to the U.S. Department of State in your home country as part of the J1 visa application. These documents include:

• DS-2019 form: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status
• DS-7002 form: Training/Internship Placement Plan- only for those applying for a trainee or internship program
• DS-160 form: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application- determines eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa
• Valid passport- must be valid for at least 6 months after the intended period of stay
• 2”x 2” photograph of yourself

Step 4. Interview

The final step in the J1 visa application process is attending an interview at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. During the interview, you will need to show proof of payment for the visa application fee and demonstrate that you have no intent to stay in the U.S. after completing your program.

In most cases, applicants aged 13 and younger or 80 and older do not require an interview. Keep in mind that visa processing times vary by location, so it’s important to apply early.

J1 Visa Work Restrictions

While in the U.S. on a J1 visa, you are required to work in your program’s category. You will not be able to work outside your program field. Those studying at a school or university may work on campus for up to 20 hours per week if in pursuit of a fellowship, assistantship, or scholarship.

During your program, you cannot travel outside the U.S. at any point or else you will have to apply for a new J1 visa to reenter. After your program ends, J1 visa holders have a 30-day grace period to leave the U.S. During this 30-day grace period, you cannot work or participate in any more exchange activities. It is also not recommended to leave the U.S. (unless you are officially returning back to your home country) as it is unlikely you will be allowed to re-enter.

How do I Renew my J1 Visa Before it expires?

Each program has a maximum duration which differs based on the sponsor. The RO/ARO from your sponsor can assist you in extending your J1 visa to the maximum duration of your program. A new DS-2019 will be issued to you illustrating the extension of your program. An extension past the maximum duration will need to be approved by the U.S. Department of State and requires a separate form and fee.

What is a J2 visa?

A J2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for the dependent spouse and/or unmarried children (under the age of 21) of the J1 visa holder. Not all J1 programs allow dependents, so it's essential to confirm eligibility with your program sponsor. If approved, J2 visa holders can accompany the J1 visa holders to the U.S.

What are the J1 visa health insurance requirements?

All J1 visa and J2 visa holders are required to maintain health insurance that meets U.S. Department of State requirements. The insurance must provide:

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per incident
• Medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000
• Repatriation of remains coverage of at least $25,000
• A deductible not exceeding $500 per accident or illness

ISO has dedicated plans for J1 visa holders that are designed to meet the requirements set by the Department of State. Starting from just $39 per month. ISO also offers plans for J2 visa holders, you can view them here.