J-1 Visa Rules, Requirements, & Application Fee

Are you an exchange student and going to the USA soon? Then you'd want to know about the J1 visa in USA. Check out what is J1 visa in USA, what are the J1 visa categories, how to work on a J1 visa and most importantly how to apply for a J1 visa followed by J1 visa fees and visa processing times for the exchange visitor visa in the USA. 

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is a nonimmigrant student visa in USA. This nonimmigrant J-1 visa in USA offers ample opportunities for 300,000+ foreign visitors coming from around 200 countries to experience US society and culture and engage with Americans. The J1 visa applies to student exchange programs like studying in USA and also for those who want to work in USA for a short period. The opportunities offered to exchange students are primarily for cultural exchange, learning, and building networks. To go on an exchange program at US universities or work in USA for a short while, applicants must enrol for the programs. Then they must find sponsors who can fund them. Check out all the details in this article for J-1 visa in USA.

Latest Updates 2025:

Here are a few latest updates that also affect J1 exchange visitor visa holders or prospective applicants: 

What is J1 Visa in USA?

The J1 visa is intended for applicants interested in pursuing education, an internship, or hands-on training in the US for a short period. The J-1 visa program allows individuals to both study and work, at the same time. Additionally, this non-immigrant visa enables international applicants to enter the US to participate in cultural exchange and acquire professional-related skills. Annually, around 300,000 individuals go to the USA on a J1 visa. These J1 visa holders in the US are either working, studying, or teaching. Individuals can come to the US through sponsorship through either a governmental program or a private organisation.

Importance of J1 Visa in USA

• The J-1 visa allows foreign nationals to participate in various academic and educational programs in the U.S., including student internships, study abroad programs, language training programs, and specialised training programs.
• The J-1 visa program promotes cultural exchange between the U.S. and other countries. It enables international students and scholars to experience American culture and society while sharing their cultures with Americans.
• Many J-1 visa programs offer professional development and training opportunities in various fields, such as medicine, business, and science. This can help individuals enhance their skills and knowledge while making valuable contributions to their respective fields.
• The J-1 visa allows international students and scholars to attend and participate in programs at prestigious U.S. educational institutions, which may not be accessible or available in their home countries.
• In some cases, the J-1 visa can serve as a stepping stone for individuals who wish to pursue further study or employment opportunities in the U.S. through other visa categories, such as the F-1 (student) visa or the H-1B cap gap extension (speciality occupation) visa.

J1 Visa Categories in USA for Study

The J-1 Visa Program includes 14 different exchange programme categories. Depending on the category chosen, a visa obtained under the ‘J1 Exchange Visitor Program’ will allow an international applicant to work, train or travel in the US. The J1 Visa also benefits US businesses by providing them with seasonal staff. Here are some of the main categories of the J1 visa -

1. Short-Term Scholar—Every year, research scholars teach and conduct research at US universities for up to six months.
2. Au Pair—Individuals between the ages of 18 and 26 can come to the US to study and live with a sponsored family for up to two years. They can study at a US university and provide childcare to the sponsor family.
3. Internship – Recent graduates can come to the US to learn about American culture and get hands-on experience in their chosen profession.
4. Work and Travel—Full-time students enrolled at a post-secondary school can come to the US to work and travel during the winter, spring, and summer breaks.
5. Camp Counselor – Individuals who are 18 years or older can come to the US and work with local youth at the US summer camps as camp teachers.
6. International Visitor Program - the US Department of State selects international visitors to consult, research, observe, and train with the US colleges.
7. Professor & Research Scholar - The exchange of professors promotes an exchange of ideas, research and mutual enrichment. There are also links formed between research and academic institutions in the United States and different foreign countries.

Many J1 holders who are in US universities are typically research scholars or visiting professors. Other J1 programs also offer educational opportunities, such as Au Pair. However, it is important to check with your sponsor family to determine the visa you will be applying for.

Working in the US on J1 Student Visa

The number of hours you can work depends on the program you apply for. So, it is important to do research beforehand and know the requirements. Some J1 visas have a two-year residence requirement, which means you would be required to remain in India for two years after finishing your J1 program.

J-1 Visa Eligibility Criteria for Studying in USA

To be eligible to apply for a J-1 visa in USA, the applicants must fulfil the following criteria: 

1. Applicants should have adequate financial support for all of their school tenure and living expenses, plus additional financial support if any family members are accompanying.
2. Around 51% of a student's total financial support should ideally come from an institutional or government sponsor in the form of anything - scholarship, fellowship, assistantship, stipend, tuition waiver, or other directly supported aid specifically for the educational program for obtaining a J-1 visa in USA. 

How to Apply for J1 Visa?

The application process for a J1 visa is similar to that of a tourist visa (B1). Below are the steps you need to follow to apply for the J1 visa -

1. Look for a non-personal sponsor to help you study or work on a J visa in the USA. The official website lists sponsors based on your category. You can choose one and then apply for your J-1 visa application. 
2. You will also have to complete and submit the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form
3. Submit the USD 185 MRV fee and then submit the SEVIS fee.
4. You must pay the SEVIS fee of USD 220 to the DHS (Department of Homeland Security). 
5. Schedule your visa appointment and Biometric appointment (OFC appointment)
6. You must bring your passport, DS-160, and appointment confirmation page for your visa application centre appointment.
7. Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date of your visa interview.

Please note: Applicants applying for J visas and participating in any of the official US Government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges will be exempted from paying any fee. While the others will have to pay a fee to get a J1 visa to study in USA. 

Documents Required for J1 Visa USA

The following documents would be required to be attached to the J Form in the USA for exchange students:

• DS-2019 Form - Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, which the sponsor issues. If applicants have dependents, they will receive a different version of the document. 
• DS-7002 Form (for exchange visitor trainees or intern visa applicants)
• DS-160 Form
• Health insurance proof in USA for studying
• A valid passport for travelling to the U.S. with six months' validity after the intended period of stay in the U.S.
• Scores of exams like TOEFL or IELTS as ELP proofs, if required.
• One 2x2 photograph is the same as the one used in all forms

J-1 Visa Cost Breakdown in USA 2025

Here is a J1 visa fee breakdown in the following section for international students planning to apply soon in 2025:

The SEVIS fee should be submitted at least three days before appearing for the J1 visa interview. Applicants must receive their DS-2019 upon SEVIS fee submission, as it will be needed during the student visa interview process. Only those applicants can pay the SEVIS fee who are first time applicants. Those who are exempt from paying the SEVIS fee for a J1 exchange visitor visa are:

1. Those are participating in a federally sponsored program that has a program code starting with G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-7
2. Reapplying within 12 months of paying the SEVIS fee.
3. Exempted from paying the SEVIS fee if holding a nationality who are not required to pay. 

Scheduling J1 Visa Interview

How to Maintain J-1 Visa Status in USA

Maintaining J1 visa status in USA is not difficult. Applicants on a J1 visa can follow these instructions to maintain their status legally:

1. Keep Your Passport & DS-2019 Valid: 

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay. If necessary, renew it through your country’s embassy or consulate.
• DS-2019 is essential for J-1 status. Keep it current and request extensions at least 30 days before expiration.
• Report Changes (e.g., funding, site, dates) to your sponsor immediately.
• A Travel Signature is needed on the DS-2019 to re-enter the U.S. after travel. It's valid for up to one year or until the end date of the DS-2019.

2. Follow Program Objectives

• Participate full-time in your program as outlined on the DS-2019.
• No unauthorised work; all employment requires sponsor approval.
• Students' on-campus work is limited to 20 hours/week during school and full-time during breaks, with a written authorisation.

3. Maintain Health Insurance

You and your J-2 dependents must have insurance that meets U.S. State Department requirements for the entire duration of your program. Lack of coverage is a status violation.

4. Update Contact Information

• Report any US address, phone, or email changes to your sponsor within 10 days.
• Also, follow all federal, state, and local laws. Legal issues can jeopardise your visa status. 
• Contact your sponsor or international office for guidance, not friends or unofficial sources.
• Keep copies of all immigration documents, including your I-94 and correspondence with U.S. authorities.

5. Leave U.S. After Program Ends

You have a 30-day grace period after your program ends to leave the U.S. You cannot work or re-enter the U.S. during this period.

6. Two-Year Home Residency (If Applicable)

This requirement was eliminated for Indian J-1 holders as of Dec 9, 2024. Those previously subject needed to fulfil it or obtain a waiver.

7. Meet SEVIS Requirements

• SEVIS fee must be paid before your visa interview.
• Keep your sponsor informed of changes so they can update your SEVIS record (e.g., arrival, extensions, address updates).

8. Follow Travel Rules

• A valid J-1 visa stamp is needed for re-entry (exceptions apply for short trips to nearby countries under automatic revalidation).
• Get a valid travel signature on your DS-2019 before travelling internationally.

If you follow these instructions, you will be able to maintain your J1 visa status in the USA easily. Through a J1 Exchange Visitor Visa in the USA, applicants can also explore obtaining permanent residence in the USA. Also through J1 visa in USA, Indian applicants can secure a job and get an H1B visa through the H1B lottery visa system. Get the details of F1 to H1B Lottery Visa Trends here. 

J-1 Visa vs F-1 Visa: What’s the Difference?

To understand how F1 visa in USA is different from J1 visa, here is a comparison for reference: 

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