Exchange Visitor Visas (J-1)

 
The exchange visitor (J) nonimmigrant visa category applies to persons who are approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the U.S., under provisions of U.S. immigration law. This means that applicants must first be accepted for an Exchange Visitor Program through a designated sponsoring organization before applying for a J visa.  If you are accepted as a participant in an exchange program, the sponsor will provide you with information and the necessary documents (including form DS-2019). 

In carrying out the responsibilities of the Exchange Visitor Program, the Department of State (DOS) designates public and private entities to act as exchange sponsors. Designated sponsoring organizations facilitate the entry of foreign nationals into the U.S. as exchange visitors to complete objectives of one of the wide variety of exchange visitor program categories.  Each category of exchange has specific requirements and regulations.  For additional information on J-1 visas, please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website or the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program website.

If you are a student in Taiwan applying for a J-1 visa under the category of “Summer Work/Travel”, the U.S. Department of State and the American Institute in Taiwan have established that, J-1 Summer Work/Travel programs must end no later than September 30 in order to enable students to return to Taiwan in time for the beginning of the fall semester.  There are no exceptions to this rule, even if the student will not be returning to school in the fall.

APPLYING FOR A VISA

1. Please follow the steps listed on the “How to apply” page to submit your application and prepare the required documents.
2. Persons applying for a J-1 visa with an initial DS-2019 form issued on or after September 1, 2004 are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before making a visa application (except for applicants participating in a program sponsored by the U.S. Federal Government).  You must submit your SEVIS fee receipt to the Consular Officer to confirm payment.  Dependent visa applicants are not required to pay the SEVIS fee.  For more information about the SEVIS I-901 fee, click here.  
3. J visa applicants participating in a program who are sponsored by the U.S. Federal Government whose program number begins with "G-1", "G-2", "G-3", or "G-7" do not have to pay the SEVIS fee, visa processing fee, or the APC service fee.  These applicants may come directly to the Nonimmigrant Visa Unit Information Window from 8:00 to 10:00 am on any working day.  No advance appointment is needed.
4. Please present proof of educational and work experience.
5. Please provide evidence that you are qualified for the program and that you have sufficient funds to cover program costs.
6. Please present evidence to show that you have a residence abroad to which you intend to return at the end of the stay in the US.  This is generally established by evidence of familial, professional, property, employment or other ties and commitments sufficient to cause you to depart the U.S. at the conclusion of your stay.