J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa General Information
The United States government issues J-1 Visas to individuals who take part in a wide range of exchange visitor programs sponsored by schools, businesses, and a variety of organizations and institutions. These programs are envisioned for business and industrial trainees, scholars, students, international visitors, teachers, research assistants and those on cultural missions. In addition, there are several exchange visitor programs for young people, including summer employment programs, internship programs for university students and au-pair programs.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Eligibility Requirements
You meet the criteria for a J1 Exchange Visitor Visa if you are coming to the United States as a student, scholar, trainee, teacher, professor, research assistant, medical graduate or international visitor who is participating in a program of studies, training research or cultural enrichment specifically designed for such individuals by the United States Department of State, through its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Activities covered by J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa programs include
- Au-pair and nanny
- Summer camp counselors and staff
- Post-graduate students
- Government visitors
- Medical students coming to the United States as residents or interns
- Foreign scholars sponsored by universities as temporary faculty
- Business and Industrial trainees
- Anyone who takes part in a exchange program approved by the U.S. Department of State
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Application Guide
- J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa overview
- J-1 Visa eligibility and requirements
- J-1 Visa privileges and limitations
- J-1 Visa Extension information
- How to complete the application forms
- How to apply at a U.S. Consulate
- How to change your status to J1 if you already are in the U.S.
- How to obtain visas for accompanying spouse and children
- List of all USCIS (formerly INS) offices nationwide
- List of United States Embassies and Consulates
- FREE J-1 Visa Application forms
