Embassy of the United States

This visa is for a person who wants to participate in an Exchange Visitor Program administered by the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

What types are available?

• J-1 is for a exchange visitor
• J-2 is for a spouse/child of a exchange visitor

What must you establish as a J Visa applicant?

• You possess the qualifications for the program offered
• You have a residence abroad you do not intend to abandon
• You have sufficient money, or adequate arrangements, to cover expenses
• You have sufficient knowledge of English to undertake the proposed program
• You will comply with the requirements of Section 212(b) paragraph(e) of the Immigration & Nationality Act (INA); the two-year foreign residency requirement
• You comply with requirements of Section 212(b) paragraph (j) (INA), if you are going to participate in a graduate medical education or training program
• You will depart at the end of your authorized stay in the U.S.

Required Documentation

• Form DS-2019: original, complete and signed
• All J visa trainee or intern applicants with DS-2019 forms dated on or after July 19, 2007 (based on Box 7) must present a DS-7002: Training/Internship Placement Plan.
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt (SEVIS Fee Information)

Spouse & Children

The spouse or children of a student are also entitled to accompany or join the holder of a J-1 visa. They can apply for a J-2 visa. A spouse or child with a J-2 visa cannot seek employment in the U.S., but can attend school.

If you want your spouse/child to travel to the U.S. with you, apply for your visas at the same time. Book your visa interview appointments for the same day and attend your visa interview together.

Exception

A medical student studying at a foreign medical school and who seeks to enter the United States temporarily in order to take an “elective clerkship” at a U.S. medical school’s hospital without remuneration from the hospital may be eligible for a B1/B2 visa, or visa free travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Note: The medical clerkship is only for medical students pursuing their normal third or fourth year internship in a U.S. medical school as part of a foreign medical school degree and does not cover those seeking training as physiotherapists, dentists, nurses or vets. (An “elective clerkship” affords practical experience and instructions in the various disciplines of medicine under the supervision and direction of faculty physicians at a U.S. medical school’s hospital as an approved part of the alien’s foreign medical school education. It does not apply to graduate medical training, which normally requires a J-visa).

Further Instructions & Information

• Students should familiarize themselves with the complete visa application process.
• Please consult EducationUSA for more information on studying in the U.S.

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