What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a J-1 Visa for Exchange Visitors?

Jennifer Paulino

New York & immigration managing attorney at Marble Law

Published March 4, 2025 · 4 min read

Key Takeaways

The J-1 visa promotes cultural exchange through various approved programs, such as au pairs, interns, and research scholars.
Applicants need a designated sponsor and must meet eligibility requirements specific to their program category.
Proper documentation, including the DS-2019 form, proof of financial support, and a valid passport, is essential for the application process.

What Is a J-1 Visa?

The J-1 visa, part of the U.S. Exchange Visitor Program, is a non-immigrant visa designed to promote cultural exchange. It allows participants to engage in approved educational, training, and work-based programs in the United States. These programs include roles like research scholars, teachers, interns, and au pairs.

To apply for a J-1 visa, you need to secure sponsorship from a designated organization that oversees your program category and ensures compliance with U.S. regulations. Many J-1 visa holders must return to their home country for at least two years after completing their program unless they qualify for a waiver.

What Are the Categories of a J-1 Visa?

The J-1 visa offers a range of categories, each tailored to specific cultural and educational exchange opportunities. These include:

Au Pair/EduCare: Live with a host family while providing childcare and pursuing educational opportunities.
Camp Counselor: Work at U.S. summer camps to gain leadership skills and share your culture.
Professor and Research Scholar: Teach or conduct research at U.S. institutions for up to five years.
Intern: Gain hands-on experience in your chosen occupational field for up to 12 months.
Summer Work Travel: University students work and travel in the U.S. during their summer vacations.

Each program is managed by a designated sponsor organization, ensuring compliance with program rules and objectives.

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Key Requirements for a J-1 Visa

To qualify for a J-1 visa, you need to meet specific criteria based on your program category. These include:

Program Sponsorship: Secure a DS-2019 form from an approved sponsor organization that validates your participation in the exchange program.
English Proficiency: Provide proof, such as standardized test scores, to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively during the program.
Financial Support: Submit documentation proving you can cover your program expenses and living costs while in the U.S.
Valid Passport and Photos: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay, and submit visa-compliant photographs.
Educational Background: Present relevant academic credentials, like transcripts and diplomas, required for your program category.

J-1 Visa Costs and Processing Time

The J-1 visa involves several mandatory fees:

SEVIS I-901 Fee: $220 (for most categories).
Visa Application Fee (DS-160): $185.
Additional Costs: Fees for medical examinations, document translations, and travel vary depending on individual circumstances.

Processing Time

The total processing time for a J-1 visa varies based on the program, your sponsor, and embassy workloads:

Program Sponsor Processing: 2-4 weeks to receive your DS-2019 form after program acceptance.
Visa Interview Scheduling: Wait times depend on embassy availability, typically 2-8 weeks.
Post-Interview Visa Issuance: Most visas are issued within 1-2 weeks after a successful interview.

In total, expect the process to take 4-8 weeks from program acceptance to visa issuance, though this can vary based on embassy backlogs or additional administrative processing.

Let Marble Help with Your J-1 Visa Application

The J-1 visa process can be complicated, with program requirements, sponsor approvals, and plenty of paperwork. A lawyer can guide you through each step, helping to avoid delays and ensure everything is handled correctly. Speak to Marble today to make your J-1 visa application as smooth as possible.