How to Apply for a J-1 Visa: Requirements, Cost, Waiver

If you’re an international student who is planning to study in the US, a visa is your golden ticket to the American dream! A quick search for ‘US visa types’ is bound to leave you confused. So, we’re here to simplify it for you!

There are three main types of US student visas: M-1 visa, F-1 visa, and J-1 visa. Out of these, the F-1 and J-1 visas are the most common. However, both have different conditions and are for different programs. Time to bring the US J1 visa under the microscope!

What is J1 Visa?

Also known as the exchange visitor program, the J-1 visa is given to non-US citizens who plan on travelling to the United States for an officially approved program related to work or study. There are a variety of different categories based on the program category, like scholars, au pairs, professors, etc., that we’ll dive into later. Dependents of an American J1 visa holder need to possess a J-2 visa. 

When applying, you’ll need to find a J1 visa sponsor. These can be a public or private institution, but they must be approved by the U.S. Department of State. The main aim of the J-1 Program is to promote cultural and intellectual interaction between nations. 

How to Apply for a J1 Visa?

The J1 Visa application process can vary depending on the country the applicant belongs to. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your country beforehand by contacting the local U.S. Embassy or consulate. Let’s take a look at the general steps of how to apply for a J1 Visa:

Step 1: Find a J1 Visa Sponsor

To obtain a J-1 student visa, it is required that your program is sponsored by a non-personal entity. You will be responsible for finding a sponsor that is willing to fund your program. It is important to note that the sponsor must be accredited by the United States Department of State.

Step 2: Submit Your DS-2019 Form

After acceptance by a sponsor, submit the DS-2019 form, which is your eligibility for J-1 status. Your sponsor will issue the form, and if you have dependents, you will receive a different version, so ensure you have the correct one.

Step 3: Schedule & Attend Your J-1 Visa Interview

To get your J-1 visa approved, you need final approval from a consular officer at a US embassy or consulate. Schedule early to avoid delays. You can also book appointments for family members or any dependents. At the interview, be ready to answer questions about the program, your intentions, expenses, etc. Emphasise your plan to finish the program and return home. Show your ties to your home country and bring supporting documentation.

Step 4: Enter the United States

It is important to note that although you might have obtained an exchange visitor visa, it does not guarantee your entry into the United States of America. Upon arrival, officers from the Department of Homeland Security hold the authority to deny entry into the country. When you reach the border patrol, you will need to provide your passport, visa, and DS-2019 form. If you are granted permission to enter the country, an admission stamp or paper form I-94 will be issued to you.

J1 Visa Requirements

Based on which exchange visitor program you pick, you will have to fulfil some visa requirements. The J-1 Visa eligibility requirements that you need to meet regardless of your program category are:

1. Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through official documents or an interview with the exchange program.

2. Insurance: All applicants and J-2 dependents must have sufficient medical coverage. If the coverage is inadequate or missing, the sponsor can help obtain the necessary insurance. Loss of coverage during the program may lead to departure.

The J1 visa definition of requirements changes as per the category of the exchange visitor program. 

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How Much Does a J-1 Visa Cost?

J-1 program fees vary by sponsor, category and duration. Contact the sponsor to know the exact costs. Before the interview, the sponsor registers the applicant's name in the SEVIS system, which generates Form DS-2019. The applicant may have to pay $220 for the I-901 SEVIS fee. 

The non-immigrant application fee is $185 but may be waived for government-sponsored programs. After the interview, the applicant may need to pay a reciprocity fee. Contact the sponsor to know the exact breakdown of costs.

How Long Can I Stay With a J-1 Visa?

The duration of your stay in the US under an exchange visitor visa varies depending on the program you have applied for. It can be up to two or three years.

For example, if you are a university student, your visa will be valid for the duration of your study program. However, if you are a short-term scholar, you can only stay for six months.

After your visa expires, you will be given a 30-day grace period to make travel arrangements back to your home country.

J-1 Visa Extension

To extend your J-1 visa, request an extension of your program from your sponsor officer. The extension period depends on your program. For a longer extension, your sponsor officer must justify the request with the Department of State and pay a non-refundable fee of $367.

J-1 Visa Two-Year Home Residency Requirement

J-1 visa holders in Government-funded Exchange Programs, Specialized Knowledge or Skill, or Graduate Medical Education/Training must return to their home country for two years after their program ends. During this period, they are ineligible for certain visas.

J1 Waiver

You can request a waiver from the Department of State's Waiver Review Division if you cannot meet the two-year residency requirement. Acceptable reasons include:

1. a no-objection statement from your country

2. a job offer from a US federal government agency

3. a risk of persecution

4. exceptional hardship to your US citizen spouse and children

5. eligibility for the Conrad State 30 Program