J-1 Visa USA: Requirement, Fee, Application, Processing Time

When considering studying in the US, you must know about student visas. There are two main types: the F-1 visa and the J-1 visa. The J-1 visa is also called the Exchange Visitor Visa or J Student Visa. J-1 visa USA is for exchange visitors for work and study exchange programs for a short term to promote cultural exchange and international understanding. Hence, it is necessary to understand the different types of US visas before applying for a US university.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the J-1 visa USA, including its requirements, fees, application process, and processing time.

What is J-1 Visa in USA?

A J-1 visa USA is a non-immigrant visa that allows you to participate in work and study-based exchange visitor programs in the US. It’s to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the US and other countries. The J-1 visa program was established under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act.

With a J-1 visa, you can enter the US for a specific period to study, teach, research or receive training in various fields. The J-1 visa duration depends on your program and can be from a few weeks to several years.

Also read: Top 15 US Student Visa Rejection Reasons

J-1 Visa USA Categories

The J-1 Visa Program has 13 different exchange program categories. This allows people from other countries to work, learn, or travel to the US. It’s also good for US companies because they can hire workers. Here are the main categories of J-1 visas:

1. Short-Term Scholar: If you’re a researcher, you can teach and do research at US universities for up to 6 months.
2. Au Pair: If you’re between 18 and 26, you can live with an American family for up to 2 years.
3. Internship: If you just graduated, you can come to learn about American life and get real work experience in your field.
4. Work and Travel: If you’re a full-time college student, you can work and travel the US during your vacation breaks.
5. Camp Counselor: If you’re at least 18, you can work with kids at summer camps in the US.
6. International Visitor: The US government picks some people to visit and learn from US colleges.
7. Professor & Research Scholar: This program helps share ideas between US and foreign schools. Professors can teach and do research in the US.

Many J-1 visa holders at US universities are researchers or visiting teachers. Other J-1 programs like Au Pair also allow you to study. But ask your sponsor which exact visa you’ll need.

Remember, each type of J-1 visa has its own rules about how long you can stay and what you can do. Always check with your program sponsor to ensure you’re applying for the right visa.

Also read: How Long Can an Indian Stay In the USA on a Student Visa?

J-1 Visa USA Requirements

When applying for a J-1 student visa, make sure you meet these key requirements:

• Secure your funding source – At least 50% of your program’s funding should come from an approved sponsor (not a personal friend or family).
• Meet English proficiency standards – Achieve the minimum English language proficiency score set by the university or college where you plan to study.
• Maintain insurance coverage – You and any dependents must hold medical insurance that meets the minimum requirements outlined by your host university.
• Attend orientation and follow pre-arrival guidelines – Your sponsor will provide essential information on your program and conduct an orientation about the area where you’ll be studying.
• Comply with J-1 visa regulations – You and your sponsor need to ensure that you actively maintain your J-1 student status and comply with all visa rules. Your sponsor must also offer a 24-hour emergency contact.
• Fulfil home residency requirements – Once your program is complete, you are required to return to your home country and stay there for at least two years.
• Hold a valid passport – You and any dependents must have passports valid for at least six months beyond your program’s end date.
• Stay enrolled full-time during the academic year – While you can work full-time during academic breaks, you must remain enrolled in a full-time course load during the academic year.
• Adhere to work limitations – You may work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term, with full-time work allowed during breaks. Working off-campus requires approval from both your sponsor and the university.
• Update your address – If you move, notify both your sponsor and your university of the new address within 10 days.
• Remember that each J-1 visa category may have additional specific requirements, so be sure to check the details for your particular program.

Meeting these requirements will keep your J-1 status in good standing throughout your program.

Also check: How to write an SOP for USA Student Visa

How to Apply for J-1 Visa USA?

If you’re ready to apply for a J-1 student visa, follow these steps:

1. Choose a Sponsor
Your program must be sponsored by an accredited, non-personal source. Locate a sponsor willing to fund your program—accredited by the US Department of State. You can find a list of designated sponsor organisations on their website.

2. Submit the DS-2019 Form
Once you’re accepted into the program, submit the DS-2019 form, which serves as your Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 status. Your sponsor will issue this form. If you have dependents, request the correct version of the form for them as well.

3. Pay the Required Fees
In addition to your program fee, you’ll need to pay several other fees. One is the SEVIS fee, which goes to the Department of Homeland Security. Depending on your program, this fee may or may not be included in your program fee. Other fees include a non-immigrant visa processing fee and a visa issuance fee, both payable at your home country’s US embassy. If your program is sponsored by the Department of State, USAID, or another US government-funded program, you might be exempt from these additional fees.

4. Schedule a Visa Interview
You must attend an interview with a consular officer at your local US embassy or consulate. Book your appointment early, as wait times can vary. If you have dependents, you can schedule their appointments at the same time.

5. Attend Your Visa Interview
During your interview, the consular officer will ask questions to gauge your intentions for studying in the US.

Documents Required for J-1 Visa USA

When applying for a J-1 visa, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US)
• DS-2019 form provided by your sponsor
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa application fee payment receipt
• SEVIS fee payment receipt
• One 2×2 inch photograph (meeting US visa photo requirements)
• Academic transcripts and diplomas (if applicable)
• Proof of funds to cover your expenses in the US
• Proof of ties to your home country (e.g., property ownership, job offer letter)
• Any additional documents specific to your J-1 category or as requested by the consular officer

If you’re applying for an F-1 visa, check the documents required for F-1 visa interview.

SEVIS Fee for J-1 Visa USA

When you apply for a J-1 visa, you must pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, which is USD 220. This fee covers the cost of the SEVIS system, which tracks and monitors schools and exchange programs and students and exchange visitors in the US. Make sure to pay this fee before your visa interview, as you will need to show proof of payment. You can pay the SEVIS fee for J-1 visa USA online through the SEVIS I-901 fee payment website.

If applying for an F-1 visa, students can also learn the SEVIS fee for F-1 visa.

Appointment Wait Time for J-1 Visa USA

Remember, the wait time for a J-1 visa interview appointment can vary depending on where and when you apply. Busy seasons can make wait times longer. So apply early and check the website to see how long you’ll have to wait in your area. By applying early and checking those wait times, you can avoid delays and get your visa on time for your program.

In the below table, we have provided the appointment wait times for each location in the country.

Source – travel.state.gov

J-1 Visa Processing Time

As for J-1 visa processing time, it takes about 2-3 months from application to visa in hand. However, the biggest variable is the wait for the interview. Some get their visa faster, some longer, depending on where you apply.

Also check: 2024 Intakes for Studying in the USA

Difference Between a J-1 and F-1 Student Visa

The following table shows the difference between J-1 visa and F-1 visa.

Conclusion

The J-1 visa lets international visitors experience life in America while promoting cultural exchange. Whether you’re a student, researcher or professional, there’s a J-1 category for you.

As you prepare to apply:

• Start early to account for varying wait times
• Choose the right category for your purpose
• Gather all necessary documents carefully
• Be prepared to show ties to your home country

Always check the official U.S. Department of State website for current information and stay in touch with your sponsoring organisation.

J-1 Visa USA FAQs

Q1. What is J-1 visa in USA?
A1. J-1 visa is for exchange visitors to the US. It’s for work and study exchange programs for a short term to promote cultural exchange and international understanding.

Q2. What is the main difference between F-1 and J-1 visa?
A2. The big difference is the purpose: F-1 is for full-time students, and J-1 is for exchange visitors in various programs. F-1 allows for longer stays, and J-1 often has a home residency requirement after.

Q3. What is the SEVIS fee for J-1 visa?
A3. The SEVIS fee when applying for a J-1 visa is USD 220.

Q4. What is the processing time of J-1 visa?
A4. The whole process takes 2 to 3 months, from the application to getting the visa in hand.

Q5. How long is a J-1 visa valid for?
A5. J-1 visas are for educators, academics, researchers and experts in specific fields. They can stay in the US for up to 5 years. After their program ends, they get 30 days to depart from the US.

Author: Stanley Lazarus Chelli

Stanley is our seasoned writer known for his deep knowledge of the ed-tech industry. He delivers insightful and impactful content that resonates with readers. Beyond his exceptional writing abilities, he is a die-hard petrolhead with a profound love for the automotive industry. Additionally, Stanley is a soon-to-be professional keyboardist.