J-1 Exchange Visitor
🇺🇸 United States visas · Study
What it is
For foreign nationals approved to participate in U.S. Department of State-designated exchange visitor programs, including students, scholars, interns, trainees, teachers, au pairs and summer work travelers.
Key facts
- Category
- Study
- Duration
- Varies by category: from a few months (Summer Work Travel) up to 7 years (Professor/Research Scholar)
- Processing time
- 4 weeks
- Extendable
- Yes
- Dependants
- Yes
- How to apply
- Embassy
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (MRV fee (may be waived for US-gov programs))
- USD 185
- Application fee (SEVIS I-901 fee)
- USD 220
- Application fee (Official U.S. Government-sponsored exchange: no fee)
- USD 0
Key requirements
- Accepted into a designated J-1 exchange program with a Form DS-2019
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (unless waived)
- Demonstrate intent to return to home country after program
- Sufficient funds and English proficiency for the program
- Some categories subject to the 2-year home residency requirement
Working on this visa
Employment is permitted only as authorized by the nonimmigrant classification accorded (8 CFR 214.1(e)).
Bringing family
Spouse and children can apply for J-2 visas (J-2 may apply for work authorization).
After this visa
Some J-1 categories carry a 2-year home-country residency requirement.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 3 August 2026.