The J-1 Visa is a popular entry point to the US for international students, professionals, and other exchange visitors. But it’s more than just a student visa—it’s designed to promote cultural and educational exchanges, allowing participants to study, train, or work temporarily in the US while gaining valuable international experience.
From internships and research programs to teaching placements and cultural immersion, the J-1 Visa opens participants up to loads of possibilities. With so much opportunity on the line, applying for this permit can be stressful—especially when you’re planning a major move.
To help you navigate the process with the best chances of success, we’ve created this detailed Remitly guide to applying for the J-1 Visa.
What is the J-1 Visa?
The J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to live and work temporarily in the United States as part of a US State Department-approved cultural or educational exchange program.
It’s one of the primary visas for international students and professionals who want to come to the US to study or gain practical experience that they couldn’t access in their home country.
The visa is open to applicants who want to take part in an educational or professional exchange:
- Students (secondary and post-secondary)
- Interns and trainees
- Research scholars and professors
- Physicians
- Teachers
- Au pairs
- Camp counsellors
- Government visitors
- Specialists
Whether you’re looking to study, teach, or gain hands-on work experience, the J-1 Visa offers a structured, supported pathway into the US.
J-1 Visa requirements
There are a few things to get done before you can start putting together your international moving checklist and deciding on which bank account you’ll use in the US.
The first thing you’ll need to be eligible for the J-1 Visa is a sponsor. The visa is aimed at helping students and early career workers further their studies or gain practical experience, and you’ll need an institution or organization to help you do just that.
Your sponsor does so much more than just provide you with the paperwork you need to get your J-1 Visa. They’re responsible for giving you guidance before you arrive in the US and during your stay, helping you understand the requirements of your program, and ensuring you comply with the conditions of your visa.
The first thing your sponsor will do for you is issue you with a DS-2019 form. This confirms that you’re eligible to apply for the J-1 Visa and can move ahead to filling out your application.
At the application stage, you’ll have to show that you’ve been accepted into a cultural or educational exchange program, you have the necessary English language skills to participate, and you have enough funding to support you during your time abroad.
A minimum of 51% of your total funding must come from sources other than your own personal or family savings. This could include funds from a scholarship, government grant, fellowship, or sponsorship—or a combination of any of these.
Breaking down the J-1 Visa application process
Now, we’ll walk you through how to apply for a J-1 visa, including what to do, when to do it, and how to ensure your visa has the best chances of being approved.
1. Apply to be part of a cultural or educational exchange program
The first thing you’ll need to do is secure a place in a US State Department-approved J-1 exchange program.
These programs may be run by universities, nonprofits, private sector organizations, or government bodies. Your sponsor will have to have followed the J-1 Visa sponsorship guide in order to be recognised by the US State Department and be able to sponsor your application.
How you get a sponsorship will vary depending on the institution you’re applying to. You’ll generally have to provide a motivation for studying or working in the US as well as proof of funds, along with academic transcripts or evidence of previous work experience.
If you’re successful, your sponsor will issue you a DS-2019 form or Certificate of Eligibility.
2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
You may need to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee before applying for your visa. This fee supports the SEVIS, which monitors your status while you’re in the US.
Your sponsor will let you know if this applies to your particular program.
3. Complete Form DS-160
Next, you’ll fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. This document forms the basis for your application, so you’ll want to be sure to complete it accurately.
Once you’re done, save the confirmation page or email. You’ll need to present this when you attend your visa interview.
4. Submit a passport photo
To ensure that authorities are able to identify you, you’ll need to provide a recent photograph that meets US State Department guidelines.
The image must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size, taken against a white background. You must maintain a neutral expression, and your face cannot be obscured by any hair, accessories, head coverings, or other clothing.
5. Pay the J-1 Visa application fee
Once you’ve submitted the necessary documentation, it’s time to pay the visa application fee. The cost may vary depending on the country you’re applying from, but it’s generally around $185 USD.
6. Schedule and attend your visa Interview
The final step is booking your interview at your local US Embassy or Consulate. You may have to wait a while to get an appointment, depending on how busy the office you’ll visit is, so it’s best to start this process well ahead of your intended departure date.
J-1 Visa interview tips for success
The visa interview is a key part of the J-1 Visa application process, and being well-prepared can make all the difference. We’ll walk you through what to expect, what documents to bring, and how to present yourself with confidence when speaking to the consular officer.
How to prepare for your interview
The best way to approach your J-1 Visa interview is to be organised and confident.
Start by reviewing the details of your exchange program as well as the application you submitted online. This will help you to ensure that you understand exactly what it is you’ll be doing in the US and that your answers align with your application.
Here are some questions that might be posed by the consular officer during your interview:
| Question | Model Answer |
| Why do you want to take part in the J-1 Exchange program? | “The program offers me the opportunity to get hands-on experience that complements my field of study, and I’ll gain cultural exposure that I can’t get at home.” |
| How will you pay for your stay in the US? | “My costs will be covered in part by a scholarship issued by the government in my home country, along with a contribution from my host organization.” |
| What are your plans after the program ends? | “When the program ends, I plan to return home and apply what I’ve learned to my work or studies.” |
It’s helpful to rehearse answering questions about your plans, funding, and intentions after the program ends. Be sure to keep your answers honest, specific, and focused on your goals for coming to the US.
What to bring to your J-1 Visa interview
When your appointment comes round, you’ll need to bring the following documents with you:
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.
- Form DS-2019: The Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, issued by your program sponsor.
- Form DS-160: The Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, completed and submitted online.
- SEVIS fee receipt: If it’s necessary for your program, you’ll need a receipt to show that you’ve paid the SEVIS fee.
- Passport-sized photograph: A recent color photo that meets US visa requirements (2×2 inches or 51×51 mm, full face, neutral expression).
- Financial documentation: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay.
- Form DS-7002: For interns and trainees, this Training/Internship Placement Plan outlines your program details.
Benefits and limitations of the J-1 Visa
The J-1 Visa offers a gateway to the US for individuals looking for educational, professional, and cultural enrichment.
For students and young professionals, it can be a stepping stone to real-world experience through internships, research placements, and training programs that might not be available in their home country.
Many people who take part in the program are able to build their international networks, improve their English skills, and gain a deeper understanding of US culture—all of which can open doors to future careers.
The visa also supports structured, sponsor-guided opportunities, which gives holders an extra layer of support when navigating a new country for the first time.
That all said, the J-1 Visa does come with certain limitations. Depending on your program and source of funding, you may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement. This means that you’d need to return to your country for at least two years before applying for certain other US visas or permanent residency.
On top of that, the J-1 Visa is time-limited. Plus, while it does open the doors for internships, there’s no direct path to permanent employment in the US.
Common J-1 Visa challenges and how to overcome them
Following the steps and tips we’ve provided in this article should make the J-1 Visa application process go smoothly. That said, you may still encounter some setbacks.
One common issue is application rejection. This often happens when the forms you submit are incomplete, you give weak responses in your interview, or if the consular officer has doubts about your intent to return home.
To avoid this, be sure to submit accurate documents, prepare well for your interview, and clearly explain your post-program plans.
Delays from your sponsor can also slow things down. After you’ve received confirmation from your sponsor, you’ll want to follow up promptly and maintain clear lines of communication to ensure you get your DS-2019 form and your application stays on track.
Errors on your DS-2019 (e.g., incorrect dates of your stay) can also cause problems. If you spot a mistake, contact your sponsor immediately to have the form corrected before your visa appointment.
If you do run into challenges, remain calm and consult the website of your nearest US Embassy or Consulate—as well as this blog post—to get the support you need.
Wrapping up
The J-1 Visa journey isn’t always easy—but it’s absolutely worth it. Whether you’re looking for academic enrichment, professional development, or cultural exchange, the program offers a structured, well-supported path to achieving your goals abroad.
While the process may seem daunting at first, you now have an understanding of all that’s required—just take each step one at a time. With the right preparation—and the guidance in this article—you can approach your application with clarity and confidence. Before long, you’ll be on your way to personal and professional growth.
FAQs
What is the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program?
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is a US State Department initiative that facilitates cultural and educational exchanges. It allows foreign nationals to participate in programs for studying, teaching, conducting research, or receiving training in the US.
Are J-1 Visa holders residents?
For tax purposes, J-1 Visa holders are considered non-residents unless they have a substantial presence in the US. The US Internal Revenue Service defines a substantial presence as living in the US for 122 days or more each year over a three-year period.
Are there alternative options to a J-1 Visa for international students?
Instead of a J-1 Visa, international students may be able to apply for the F-1 Visa or the M-1 Visa. The F-1 Visa is for vocational training, while the M-1 Visa is for studying at a college, university, conservatory, seminary, or high school.
Can you extend a J-1 Visa in the US?
You may be able to extend a J-1 Visa if your current visa hasn’t expired, you’ve complied with all the rules and requirements for your current visa, your passport is still valid and won’t expire during your extended stay. If you meet these requirements, you’ll need to complete the I-539 form to start the application process for your extension.