J-1 Student and Job Exchange Programs

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The J-1 visa is designed to provide educational and cultural exchange programs and promote the sharing of knowledge, skills, and education in the arts and sciences. This visa enables people to participate in exchange programs in the US. ​

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J-1 visa holders include students, trainees involved in on-the-job training, visiting scholars and researchers, and consultants.​

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As a J-1 visa applicant, you must prove that you:

• Are you a professor or research scholar, trainee or intern, college or university student, teacher, nonacademic specialist, foreign physician, camp counselor, au pair, or summer student in a travel/work program?

• Intend only a temporary stay in the US.

• Will have sufficient funds to stay in the US.

• Intend to return to your home country after the visit.

• Have been approved for a stay in a J-1 program recognized by USCIS.

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Trainee programs are generally limited to a maximum of 18 months, except for programs in agriculture, hotels, and tourism, which are generally limited to a maximum of 12 months. The J-1’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old may apply for entry in J-2 status and may be eligible for employment authorization. Certain J-1 exchange visitors must return to their home country for two years at the end of their program before they can apply for another non-immigrant or immigrant status.​​