J1 visa meaning, requirements, conditions, eligibility, waiver, cost and more – Everything explained

As an international student planning to study in the United States, you might have come across the J1 visa. It is one of the most common types of student visa after the F1 visa. There are different types of student visas for different programs and have different conditions, requirements and uses. 

It might sound complicated at first, but don't worry, we're going to break down everything about the J1 visa into simple and easy-to-understand information just for you. By the end of this article, you'll know everything you need to know about the J1 visa, from what it is and what the requirements are, to how to apply and what it costs.

What is a J1 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 study- and work-related exchange programs in America. 

This means you can come to the US to study, teach, do research, or get some training. 

The idea behind this is to help people from different countries understand each other better by sharing cultures and experiences.

Having a J1 visa means you can be a part of a larger program called the Exchange Visitor Program.

J1 visa requirements

To get a J1 visa, you need to meet certain requirements. Here are the main ones:

• First, you need to be accepted into one of the approved exchange programs. It could be a school, university, or organisation that is part of the Exchange Visitor Program.
• You need to show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the US This might include tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
• You need to have a good enough understanding of English to participate in your program. Some programs might require you to take an English proficiency test to prove your English skills.
• You need to have health insurance that covers you for the entire duration of your stay in the US
• You will receive a DS-2019 form from your sponsoring institution, and it's a key document for your J1 visa application. It contains important information about your program and your stay in the US

Edvoy is here to guide you through every step of your study in the US.

J1 visa conditions

There are some important conditions you need to be aware of before having a J1 visa:

• After your program ends, you need to return to your home country for at least two years before you can apply for a permanent residency visa in the US. We will discuss the exceptions to this rule in the ‘J1 Waiver’ section below.
• You need to actively participate in your program and follow its rules. If you don't, you might lose your visa.
• To travel outside the US during your program, you need to make sure you have the proper documentation and permissions.

Eligibility to work as a J1 student

As a J1 student, you might be allowed to work in the US, but there are some restrictions. 

• You can work on-campus, like in the library or cafeteria, for up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session. During school breaks, you can work full-time.
• You might be able to work in a job related to your field of study, either during your program or after it ends. This is called academic training, and you'll need permission from your program sponsor to do this.

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J1 visa waiver

In some cases, you might be able to get a waiver for the two-year home-country physical presence requirement. This means you wouldn't have to return to your home country for two years before applying for certain visas or permanent residency in the US 

Here are some reasons you might be able to get a waiver:

• Your home country's government might issue a ‘No Objection Statement’ saying they don't object to you staying in the US
• A US government agency might request a waiver because your skills are in high demand.
• If you can show that returning to your home country would cause you or your family extreme hardship, you might get a waiver.
• If you can prove that you would face persecution in your home country because of your race, religion, or political opinion, you might get a waiver.

Also read: H-1B visa meaning, eligibility and cost involved - Everything explained

Document checklist for a J1 visa

To submit your J1 visa application, ensure that you have read and prepared all required documents:

Form DS-2019

Form DS-2019^[1] is a key form you'll receive from your program sponsor. It contains important details about your exchange program and your stay in the US.

Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the US

Visa application form DS-160

Visa application form DS-160^[2] is an online form you need to fill out for your visa application. Don't forget to print the confirmation page once you’re done.

Application fee payment receipt

You'll need proof that you've paid the visa application fee of USD 160. Keep this receipt safe!

SEVIS fee payment receipt

The SEVIS^[3] (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee is $220. Make sure to pay this and keep the receipt.

Photograph

A recent photo that meets the US visa requirements. Check the specific requirements to ensure your photo is acceptable.

Proof of financial support

You'll need to show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. This could include bank statements, scholarship letters, or financial guarantee letters.

Proof of health insurance

You'll need health insurance that covers you for your entire stay in the US Keep documentation of your coverage handy.

Acceptance letter

A letter from your exchange program or sponsoring organisation confirming your participation in the program.

Make sure you have all these documents ready before your visa interview. It’ll help make the process smoother and stress-free.

Want to study in the US? Edvoy is here to help you from shortlisting courses to your first day of the program.

What is the cost of a J1 visa?

The cost of a J1 visa can vary, but here are some of the main fees you might need to pay:

• The program fee is charged by your sponsoring organisation for your program. The amount can vary depending on the program.
• The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee is $220. This is a one-time fee that you need to pay before your visa interview.
• The visa application fee is $160. You need to pay this fee when you submit your visa application.
• There might be additional fees for health insurance, travel expenses, and living costs.

J1 visa application

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a J1 visa:

Finding an approved exchange program

First things first, you need to find and apply to an approved exchange program. This could be a school, university, or other organisation that offers the program you're interested in. Once you're accepted, the J1 visa application process begins.

Receiving form DS-2019

After you've been accepted into the program, your program sponsor will send you a very important form called DS-2019. This form has all the details about your program and your stay in the US

Paying the SEVIS fee

Next, go to the SEVIS website and pay the $220 SEVIS fee. You'll need information from your DS-2019 form to do this. Keep the receipt because you'll need it later.

Filing the DS-160 form

Head over to the US Department of State^[4] website and fill out the online visa application form DS-160. Once you're done, make sure to print out the confirmation page. You'll need this for your interview.

Scheduling visa interview

Visit the website of the US embassy or consulate where you will be applying for your visa. Schedule a visa interview at a time that works for you.

Gathering necessary documents

Before your interview, gather all the necessary documents. This includes your Form DS-2019, passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa application fee payment receipt, SEVIS fee payment receipt, photo, and any other documents required by the embassy or consulate.

Attending the visa interview

On the day of your interview, bring all your documents with you. Be ready to answer questions about your program and your plans in the US Stay calm and confident!

Looking for guidance in one place? Right from uploading documents to settling into your student accommodation in the US? Edvoy is here to help.

If you are wondering what mistakes to avoid during a US visa interview, read the entire article.

Difference between F-1 visa and J-1 visa

Both the F-1 visa and the J-1 visa are for students coming to the US to study, but there are some key differences:

In this article, we've covered everything you need to know about the J1 visa, from what it is and the requirements to how to apply and what it costs. With the J1 visa, you can study and gain new experiences in the US. Looking to study in the US? We are here to help.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my family with me on a J1 visa? 

Yes, you can bring your spouse and children with you. They will need to apply for J-2 visas to be able to come along with you.

Can I extend my J1 visa?

In some cases, you can extend your J1 visa. You will need to work with your program sponsor to apply for an extension. There are certain criteria for a J1 visa waiver.

What happens if I don't follow the rules of my J1 visa?

If you don't follow the rules of your J1 visa, you might lose your visa status and have to leave the US early. It's important to follow all the rules and guidelines of your program.

How long is a J-1 visa valid for? 

The duration of a J-1 visa depends on the specific program. Generally, it ranges from a few weeks to up to 5 years, depending on the category (e.g., intern, trainee, professor, etc.). The maximum stay is usually 7 years.

Who is eligible for a J-1 visa?

To be eligible for a J-1 visa, you must be accepted into an approved exchange visitor program. This includes programs for teaching, studying, conducting research, receiving training, or participating in cultural exchange. You must also have a sponsor and meet specific program requirements.

Is a J-1 visa eligible for a green card?

Yes, a J-1 visa holder can apply for a green card. However, some J-1 visa holders may be subject to a two-year home residency requirement, meaning they must return to their home country for two years before applying for a green card. A waiver can be obtained under certain conditions.

Can I change my J-1 visa to an H-1B visa? 

Yes, it is possible to change from a J-1 visa to an H-1B visa. You would need to find an employer willing to sponsor your H-1B visa and file the necessary paperwork.

Can I work on a J-1 visa? 

Yes, you can work on a J-1 visa, but the type of work and duration depend on your specific program. Some programs allow for full-time employment, while others may have restrictions.

What is the age limit for a J-1 visa? 

There is no specific age limit for a J-1 visa. However, certain programs may have age requirements based on the nature of the exchange program.