Exchange Visitor (J-1)

Anyone wishing to take up prearranged employment, training or research in the United States under an officially approved program sponsored by an educational or other nonprofit institution requires an exchange visitor (J-1) visa. Persons covered by these programs include post graduate students, foreign medical graduates seeking to pursue graduate medical education or training, foreign scholars sponsored by universities as temporary faculty, and some business trainees. In addition, there are several exchange visitor programs for young people, including summer employment programs, intern programs for university students, and au-pair programs.

Doctors of Medicine

In order to perform services as a member of the medical profession or to receive graduate medical education in the United States, certain alien physicians are required to pass the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Parts I and II, or an examination determined to be equivalent. More information is available from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates.

Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence (Foreign Residence) Requirement

A former exchange visitor may not be issued an immigrant, fiancé(e), temporary worker or intracompany transferee visa until he/she has resided and been physically present in the country of his/her nationality or last residence for at least two years following the termination of exchange visitor status if certain conditions apply.  For further information, including information on obtaining a waiver of the J Visa Two-Year Foreign Residence Requirement, if required, please click on this link.

Applying for the Visa

You are required to obtain from your sponsor the form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. The DS-2019 is not valid for travel unless accompanied by a valid visa. Once you have this form, you are required to apply for the visa.

Please review the following following FIVE STEPS below before beginning your visa application.

Step 1: If you have ever arrested and/or have a criminal conviction, have a medical ineligibility, or have been denied entry into or deported from the United States you will be required to furnish documents relating to your situation in support of your application.  Please click on the relevant links for further information.  

Step 2:  Click on "How to Apply" on the left-hand Navigration bar for information on method of application.  If you are booking for a group of 9 or more, please follow this link for further information.      

Step 3:  Pay the SEVIS fee

Step 4:  Complete the online DS-160

Step 5:  Gather additional required documents

Reminder: We always recommend that individuals apply for visas well in advance of their proposed date of travel. No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore, final travel plans or the purchase of non refundable ticket should not be made until a visa has been issued and you are in receipt of the passport.

Entry & Length of Stay

The holder of an exchange visitor J-1 visa, may enter the United States up to 30 days before the designated start date on the DS-2019. The 30 day limitation does not apply to those returning to continue with the program. He or she may remain for up to 30 days after the completion date on the DS-2019.

If you wish to remain longer, you will be required to apply for an adjustment of status or extension of stay from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services having jurisdiction over your place of residence in the United States.