Visa Categories

Visitors participating in Exchange Programs

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Exchange Visitor Visas

The exchange visitor program is designed to promote the interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills in the fields of education, arts, and sciences. The most common types of exchanges include: high school students; visiting scholars; interns (stage); visiting researchers; practical trainees; au pairs; camp counselors; etc. There are hundreds of organizations in the U.S., including most universities, that can sponsor an exchange visitor.

Interested applicants must apply directly to the school or organization. Once an applicant is accepted into a program, they are issued a DS-2019 form which they must then present to the consulate.

For visa application information click here.

SEVIS fee (effective September 1, 2004)

Persons applying for a J visa with a DS-2019 form issued on or after September 1, 2004 must pay a SEVIS fee. This fee covers the cost of administering the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This fee must be paid before the person applies for a visa. Derivative applicants (J-2) and individuals participating in a program sponsored by the Federal Government whose program number prefix begins with G-1, G-2 or G-3 do not have to pay a SEVIS fee. For further details and information on how to pay the fee click here

Initial Entry into the US

Please be aware that United States Department of Homeland Security regulations state that holders of J nonimmigrant visas will only be admitted to the United States thirty days or less before their program start date, as given on form DS-2019.

Employment

Participants in programs which provide for on-the-job training, teaching, research, or other activities which involve paid employment may accept such employment. Participants in programs which do not involve work may not accept outside employment.

Foreign Residency Requirement

Certain exchange visitors are subject to the 'two-year rule'.  Those who participate in programs financed in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by an agency of the U.S. or exchange visitor's government, or who are nationals or residents of a country designated as requiring the skills of the exchange visitor, must return to their country of nationality or last residence after completing their program in the United States and reside there physically for two years before applying for an immigrant or temporary worker visa.

Family Members

The spouse and minor children of participants in exchange programs may apply for derivative visas (J2) to accompany or follow to join the principal applicant by presenting their own DS-2019 and original birth or marriage certificate showing the relationship to the J1 visa holder.  Dependents may apply to the USCIS for authorization to accept employment in the U.S.  For more information, please visit the USCIS website.

(More information on exhange visitor visas can be found on the State Department website.)