Your Immigration Link to the World

The J-1, also known as the Exchange Visitor Visa, is issued to persons who bill be participating in an education or cultural exchange program. Participants are expected to return to their home countries when they complete their programs.

You must first apply, meet the requirements, and be accepted for one of the Exchange Visitor Program categories through a designated sponsoring organization before you can apply at a US Embassy or Consulate. Once you are accepted, the sponsor will provide you with the necessary information and documents when you apply for the visa. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) acts as the bridge for varied government organizations that have an interest in information on foreign students. SEVP monitors the J category students as well as the other student related visas (F and M). Additionally, SEVP uses web-based technology, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), to track and monitor schools and programs, students, exchange visitors and their dependents throughout the duration of approved participation within the U.S. education system.

Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany the primary exchange visitor (J) visa holder for the duration of his/her stay also require exchange visitor visas. The application procedure is the same as for the primary applicant. The sponsor must approve of the DS-2019 form in order for the spouse and/or children to travel at the same time with the primary applicant. Spouses and/or children may only work in the US if they filed From I-765, the application for the Employment Authorization ("work permit" card). However, the spouse and/or children may study in the US without the need for an F-1 student visa.

Exchange Visitor Categories:

1. Au pair and EduCare;
2. Camp Counselor;
3. Government Visitor;
4. Intern;
5. International Visitor (Department of State Use);
6. Physician;
7. Professor and Research Scholar;
8. Short-term Scholar;
9. Specialist;
10. Student, College/University;
11. Student, Secondary;
12. Teacher;
13. Trainee and Flight Training;
14. Summer Work Travel;

Pilot Programs:

1. Summer Work/Travel: Australians;
2. Summer Work/Travel: New Zealanders;
3. Intern work/travel: Irish;

Required Documentation:
The required documentation that must be submitted are as follows:

1. Form DS 2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. Your exchange visitor program sponsor is responsible for entering the DS 2019 into SEVIS which then generates the DS 2019 form.
2. Form DS 7002, a Training/Internship Placement Plan.
3. Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
4. Form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
5. Form DS-158, Contact Information and Work History.
6. Valid passport with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the US (barring any exemptions).
7. One 2"x2" photograph.