Expand Your Global Talent Exchange in the U.S. | J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Expand Your Global Talent Exchange in the U.S. | J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
J1 Visa USA: Complete Guide to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa (Sponsors, Requirements, Costs & Application)
Support your U.S. exchange visitor plans with a clear, compliant J1 visa strategy — from sponsor selection and DS-2019 preparation to your consular interview steps.
Pay only after approval (Terms apply). Competitive pricing. Clear deliverables.
J-1 Visa at a Glance
Visa type: Exchange Visitor (J) nonimmigrant visa (BridgeUSA)
Who it’s for: Participants in an approved exchange program (e.g., intern/trainee, research, teaching, etc.)
Core document: Form DS-2019 (issued by a designated sponsor)
Application form: DS-160 (online nonimmigrant visa application)
Key stakeholders: A designated J-1 sponsor + (in some categories) a U.S. host organisation
Fees: Sponsor program fees + visa fee + SEVIS I-901 (where required)
- UK-market focused support
- Fixed-fee options
- Clear document checklists
- Secure handling
- Pay after approval (terms apply)
INDEX:
- What Is the J1 Visa and What Is It Used for in the United States?
- J1 Visa USA: Who Can Apply and What Types of Programs Exist?
- J1 Visa Requirements: Eligibility Criteria and Mandatory Documentation
- J1 Visa Sponsors: Who They Are and Why They Are Essential
- J1 Visa Application Process: Step-by-Step from Sponsor Approval to Interview
- J1 Visa Application UK: How to Apply from the United Kingdom
- J1 Visa Cost: Government Fees, Sponsor Fees and SEVIS Charges
- How Much Is a J1 Visa in Total? Realistic Budget Expectations
- J2 Visa for Dependants: Family Members of J1 Visa Holders
- The Two-Year Home Residency Rule (212e) and J1 Visa Waivers
- Why Choose Corporate Visa Solutions for Your J1 Visa Strategy
What Is the J1 Visa and What Is It Used for in the United States?
The J1 visa, officially known as the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, is a non-immigrant visa created by the U.S. Department of State to promote educational, professional and cultural exchange between the United States and other countries.
Unlike employment visas such as L-1 or H-1B, the J1 visa is program-based, meaning applicants must first be accepted into an approved exchange program managed by a designated J1 visa sponsor. Only once a sponsor issues Form DS-2019 can an applicant proceed with the visa application.
The J1 visa is commonly used for:
Professional training and internships
Academic research and teaching
Cultural exchange and short-term professional exposure
J1 Visa USA: Who Can Apply and What Types of Programs Exist?
The J1 visa USA covers a wide range of exchange visitor categories, each with its own eligibility criteria, duration and compliance requirements.
Common J1 visa program categories include:
Intern and Trainee programs
Research Scholar and Professor programs
Short-Term Scholar programs
Physician exchange programs
Au Pair and Camp Counselor programs
Each category is governed by specific Department of State regulations, and applicants must meet both sponsor requirements and federal eligibility rules.
Choosing the correct J1 category is critical, as it determines:
Maximum length of stay
Possibility of extensions
Exposure to repeat participation bars
Applicability of the two-year home residency requirement (INA 212(e))
J1 Visa Requirements: Eligibility Criteria and Mandatory Documentation
The J1 visa requirements depend on the program category, but all applicants must meet a set of core conditions before applying.
Key requirements include:
Acceptance into an approved exchange program
Issuance of Form DS-2019 by a designated J1 sponsor
Proof of sufficient financial resources
Compliance with health insurance requirements mandated by the Department of State
Completion of Form DS-160 and attendance at a visa interview
For certain categories such as Interns and Trainees, additional documentation such as Form DS-7002 (Training/Internship Placement Plan) is mandatory.
Failure to meet sponsor or documentation requirements is one of the most common causes of J1 visa delays and refusals.
J1 Visa Sponsors: Who They Are and Why They Are Essential
A J1 visa sponsor is an organisation officially designated by the U.S. Department of State to administer exchange visitor programs and issue Form DS-2019.
Sponsors are responsible for:
Evaluating participant eligibility
Monitoring program compliance
Maintaining SEVIS records
Providing emergency support and participant oversight
It is important to note that U.S. host companies are not automatically J1 sponsors. In many cases, a third-party sponsor works alongside the host organisation to ensure regulatory compliance.
Only sponsors listed on the official BridgeUSA / Department of State register are authorised to issue DS-2019 forms.
J1 Visa Application Process: Step-by-Step from Sponsor Approval to Interview
The J1 visa application follows a structured process that begins well before the embassy interview.
The standard application flow includes:
Selection of the correct J1 program and designated sponsor
Issuance of Form DS-2019 by the sponsor
Payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee where applicable
Completion of Form DS-160
Payment of the U.S. visa application fee
Scheduling and attending the visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate
The quality and consistency of documentation across DS-2019, DS-160 and supporting evidence play a decisive role in approval outcomes.
J1 Visa Application UK: How to Apply from the United Kingdom
Applicants applying from the UK must follow the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom procedures for non-immigrant visas.
The J1 visa application UK process includes:
Completing DS-160 online
Paying the visa application fee
Booking an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in London or a designated consulate
Attending the in-person interview with DS-2019 and supporting documents
Processing times vary depending on seasonality and individual case complexity, so early preparation is strongly recommended.
J1 Visa Cost: Government Fees, Sponsor Fees and SEVIS Charges
The J1 visa cost is made up of several components and can vary significantly depending on the sponsor and program type.
Typical cost elements include:
Sponsor program fees (set by the designated sponsor)
U.S. visa application fee (currently USD 185 for J visas)
SEVIS I-901 fee, where applicable
Possible reciprocity or issuance fees depending on nationality
Because sponsor fees are not standardised, total J1 visa costs should always be confirmed in advance.
How Much Is a J1 Visa in Total? Realistic Budget Expectations
When applicants ask how much is a J1 visa, the correct answer depends on the structure of the exchange program.
As a general guide:
Government fees are fixed and published by U.S. authorities
Sponsor fees vary by category, duration and level of support
Longer or more complex programs typically involve higher sponsor costs
A full cost assessment should always be completed before committing to a sponsor or host organisation.
J2 Visa for Dependants: Family Members of J1 Visa Holders
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may qualify for J2 dependent visas.
J2 dependants:
May study in the United States
May apply for work authorisation through USCIS (EAD)
Must maintain valid J2 status linked to the principal J1 holder
The Two-Year Home Residency Rule (212e) and J1 Visa Waivers
Some J1 visa holders are subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement under INA Section 212(e).
This rule can restrict:
Change of status in the U.S.
Eligibility for H, L visas or permanent residence
In certain cases, applicants may pursue a J1 waiver, depending on program funding, skills lists and government approvals.
Why Choose Corporate Visa Solutions for Your J1 Visa Strategy
Managing a J1 visa requires coordination between sponsors, host organisations and U.S. authorities.
At Corporate Visa Solutions, we:
Advise on correct J1 categories and sponsor structures
Review DS-2019 and supporting documentation
Identify 212(e) risks early
Support UK-based applicants through the full process
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The J1 visa is a U.S. non-immigrant visa for individuals participating in approved exchange visitor programs in the United States. It is designed to promote cultural and professional exchange and is administered by the U.S. Department of State.
Applicants must be accepted by a designated J1 sponsor, who issues Form DS-2019, before applying for the visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
To get a J1 visa, you must first:
Be accepted into an approved exchange program
Receive Form DS-2019 from a designated sponsor
Complete Form DS-160
Pay the required fees
Attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate
You cannot apply for a J1 visa without a sponsor.
The time to get a J1 visa depends on:
How quickly the sponsor issues the DS-2019
Embassy appointment availability
Whether additional administrative processing is required
In most standard cases, the process takes several weeks, but applicants should plan well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
The duration of a J1 visa depends on the program category and is defined by the dates listed on the DS-2019.
Some programs last only a few months, while others (such as research or trainee programs) may last several years, subject to regulatory limits.
Yes, but only within the authorised exchange program.
J1 visa holders may work exclusively in the position, host organisation and activities approved by their sponsor. Any unauthorised employment is a violation of J1 status.
After completing your J1 program, you are usually granted a grace period to prepare for departure.
During this time, you may remain in the U.S. but cannot work or study. The grace period does not extend your authorised program stay.
The J1 visa application fee charged by the U.S. government is USD 185.
However, this is not the total cost, as most applicants must also pay sponsor program fees and, in some cases, the SEVIS I-901 fee.
The total J1 visa cost varies depending on the sponsor and program, but typically includes:
Sponsor program fees
Visa application fee (USD 185)
SEVIS I-901 fee (if applicable)
Possible reciprocity fees
Total costs should always be confirmed with the sponsor before committing.
To apply for a J1 visa from the UK, you must:
Obtain DS-2019 from a designated sponsor
Complete DS-160 online
Pay the visa fee
Book and attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy in London
All supporting documents must match the information on your DS-2019.