J-1 Visa SERVICES

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J-1 Visa: Rules, Requirements, & Application

Want to experience the seventh heaven? North American nation invitations over four hundred thousand students from various backgrounds once a year. within the event that you just mean to be told at the instructive foundation of education of any country, most foreign students apply for a Study allows once given, permits you to review in many nations at associate degree supported establishment for the span of the present course or program.

About J-1 Student Visa

The J-1 visa, also known as the Exchange Visitor Visa or J-student visa, is for anyone outside of the US who wishes to take part in the study- and work-related exchange programs approved by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Typically, a J-1 student visa holder is sponsored by an educational or nonprofit institution.

The J-1 visa has 15 categories of eligible roles and/or program types:

  • Au Pair
  • Camp Counselor
  • College and University Student
  • Secondary School Student
  • Government Visitor
  • International Visitor
  • Physician
  • Professor
  • Research Scholar
  • Short-Term Scholar
  • Specialist
  • Summer Work Travel
  • Teacher
  • Trainee
  • Intern

If you have decided to apply for a J-1 student visa, here are the steps you will need to follow:

  • Decide on a Sponsor – As one of the main conditions of a J-1 student visa, your program needs to be sponsored by a non-personal source. You will need to locate a sponsor willing to fund your program. Keep in mind that the sponsor must be accredited by the United States Department of State
  • Submit Your DS-2019 Form – After applying to a sponsor and getting accepted to the program, you will need to submit the DS-2019 form, as this is your Certificate of Eligibility to apply for J-1 status. The form is issued by your designated sponsor and if you have any dependents, you will receive a different version of the DS-2019 form — so remember to make sure you have received the correct form. 
  • Pay the Required Fees – Aside from your program fee, there are multiple fees you may need to pay during the application process. One is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee and it must be paid to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Depending on the program or your sponsor, this fee may or may not be a part of your program fee, so be sure to check with your Responsibility Officer.
  1. Schedule a Visa Interview – For your application to be accepted, you will be interviewed by a consular officer at your local US Embassy or Consulate. You should schedule your appointment as early as you can, as waiting times can vary depending on your country. If you have dependents, you can also schedule an appointment for them to accompany you for your interview.
  2. Attend Your Visa Interview – The consular officer will interview you with the goal of understanding your intentions behind traveling to the US. You can expect questions like:
    1. Why did you choose your area of study?
    2. Do you plan to pursue further education?
    3. What are your parents’ professions?
    4. Who pays for your education?
    5. Do you plan to return to your job after your exchange program?
    6. What are your employment goals a few years from now?
    7. Why do you want to be part of an exchange program?

When you are attending the interview, remember to bring:

  • A valid passport
  • A copy of the photo you will use for your visa
  • DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmation receipts
  • I-20 form
  • Diploma, school transcripts, and official standardized test scores
  • Bank statements you used to complete your college application
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