The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to visit the U.S. as exchange visitors, participating in programs that support cultural exchange. There are 15 different categories of the J-1 visa: au pair, camp counselor, college or university student, government visitor, intern, international visitor, physician, professor, research scholar, secondary school student, short-term scholar, specialist, summer work travel, teacher and trainee.

1.       You must be a foreign national with supporting documentation of education and/or relevant work experience.

2.       You must show proof of financial means to support yourself while in the U.S.

3.       You must be proficient in English.

4.       You must not show immigrant intent.

5.       You must not displace an American worker.

(Each category has more specific criteria, this is for the J-1 visa in general.)

A sponsor is an organization designated by the U.S. Department of State to oversee J-1 visa programs and issue official documentation. You can find a sponsor here. All J-1 exchange visitors must have a sponsor and finding a sponsor is the first step to obtaining a J-1 visa.

1.       Find a J-1 Sponsor

2.       Apply for the DS-2019 Form [Certificate of Eligibility]

3.       Complete the DS-160 Form [Nonimmigrant Visa Application]

4.       Pay Program, SEVIS and Visa Fees

5.       Schedule and Attend Visa Interview at U.S. Consulate or Embassy

6.       Receive J-1 Visa in Passport

1.       SEVIS Fee – $220

2.       Visa Application Fee – $160

3.       Program Fee – Varies by Sponsor

If you are not already working with a sponsor, you will need to find one to facilitate the program and issue the official documentation, including the DS-2019 form. Some sponsors will hire on your behalf and some will not. You can find the complete list of sponsors by program category here.