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Acquiring Your J-1 Exchange Visitor's Visa

A J-1 visa is a stamp in your passport that allows you to enter the United States along with valid DS-2019 and I-94 documentation. The expiration date on your J-1 visa is the date until you are permitted to enter or re-enter the U.S. using that stamp. 

*Canadians do not have to apply for a visa but must still pay the SEVIS fee and enter the U.S. on J-1 status.

Steps to Acquire J-1 Visa

All J-1 Exchange Visitors must provide sufficient proof of funding and compliant insurance for the entire duration of their program and have sufficient English language ability to function on a day-to-day basis.

Additional eligibility requirements by Exchange Visitor category include:

  • J-1 Research Scholar/Professor/Short-Term Scholar must hold a minimum bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with significant experience in the chosen field in which research or teaching activities are to be conducted.
  • J-1 Student Intern must:
    • Be currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States and be in good academic standing.
    • Be participating in an internship at Jefferson to fulfill the educational objectives of their academic program at their home institution.
    • Have verifiable language skills sufficient to function on a day-to-day basis in the internship environment.
    • Return to their home institution after completing the student internship.

Note

J-1 Student Interns are not Jefferson students and are not eligible for some Jefferson student benefits, such as housing and student health insurance. J-1 Student Interns must confirm with their department whether they may be eligible for any other benefits.

  • All J-1 requests must be completed by both the department and Exchange Visitor a minimum of three months before the desired start date
  • Visa appointment wait times vary depending on a U.S. embassy or consulate. Visa processing times can be greatly different according to the individual
  • Expedited appointments may be available depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate

  • Receive the form DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status
  • Pay the SEVIS fee and obtain the payment receipt
  • Complete the online visa application form DS-160
  • Schedule and attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate
  • Prepare and provide the required documentation at the visa interview
  • Receive passport with the J-1 visa
  • Book a flight to the U.S. to travel up to 30 days before the program start date on the DS-2019

While it is most recommended to consult with the U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of required documentation, the list below is generally required for visa interview appointments

  • A passport valid for at least six months
  • Form DS-2019
  • Proof of SEVIS fee payment
  • A receipt for the visa application fee
  • Completed visa application form DS-160
  • Invitation letter from the host department
  • Information that proves ties to home country
  • Two photographs (2x2 inches each)
  • Form DS-7002: This is only applicable to J-1 Student Intern applicants

  • All new J-1 Scholars using DS-2019 must pay a $220 SEVIS fee prior to applying for a U.S. visa at www.fmjfee.com
  • Visa application fee and appointment fee can be found on the U.S. State Government website for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Fees

J-1 scholars and any family members accompanying in J-2 status are required to have insurance that complies with the U.S. Department of State for the entire duration of their program. Please review J-1 Health Insurance to understand all insurance criteria.

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