How can I participate in the Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 visa program)?
You need to be sponsored by one of the State Department’s designated sponsors authorized to conduct exchange visitor programs in the United States. The special J-1 exchange visitor visa is the visa used by all foreign participants in the Exchange Visitor Program.
The program sponsors are responsible for screening and selecting eligible foreign nationals for participation in the Exchange Visitor Program, as well as supporting and monitoring them during their exchange program in the United States. The list of the designated sponsors is on our website at: http://eca.state.gov/jexchanges/index.cfm. You can contact the sponsors directly in order to further pursue your interest in possibly participating in one of the exchange programs.
What is the Form DS-2019?
The Form DS-2019 is the “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status”. The Form DS-2019 is a controlled document which only State Department-designated sponsors are authorized to issue to foreign nationals (prospective exchange visitors) they have screened and selected for participation in their State Department-designated exchange visitor program. Foreign nationals (prospective exchange visitors) then apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate for the J-1 exchange visitor visa to participate in their prospective sponsor’s exchange visitor program. Issuance of the J-1 visa, like all non-immigrant visas, is at the discretion of Consular Officers viewing visa applications at U.S. embassies and consulates.
How can I obtain a Form DS-2019? (Also see FAQ “What is the Form DS-2019?”)
The State Department-designated J-1 program sponsors are the only entities authorized to issue the Form DS-2019, which is a controlled document. Sponsors issue this form to the foreign nationals they select to participate in their exchange visitor program. The list of the designated sponsors is on our website at: http://eca.state.gov/jexchanges/index.cfm.
How do I apply for the J-1 visa?
Prospective exchange visitors apply for the J-1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country using the Form DS-2019 issued to them by their State Department-designated program sponsor. If you have general questions about the visa application process, you should view the State Department’s website for all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide at: http://www.usembassy.gov/. Click on the link for the U.S. embassy or consulate location closest to you (i.e., where you will apply for the visa) and follow the instructions provided. Any specific questions regarding the visa application process should be directed to the U.S. embassy or consulate.
What is the Form DS-7002?
The Form DS-7002 is the “Training/Internship Placement Plan” (T/IPP). It is a controlled document which only sponsors designated by the State Department for the “trainee” and “intern” exchange visitor program categories are authorized to issue to foreign nationals they have screened and selected for participation in their designated exchange visitor program. Such sponsors must complete and sign the T/IPP for each trainee or intern before issuing the Form DS-2019. The T/IPP ensures that trainees are participating in bona fide training and that interns are participating in work-based learning, both of which are permitted while ordinary employment and unskilled labor are not permitted using the J-1 visa for training and internship purposes.
In addition to presenting their DS-2019 to U.S. embassy or consulate Consular Officers at the time of application for the J-1 visa, prospective trainees and interns must also present their fully executed DS-7002 when requested by the reviewing Consular Officer.
How can I obtain the Form DS-7002? (Also see FAQ “What is the Form DS-7002?”)
The State Department-designated exchange visitor ( J-1 visa) program sponsors authorized to conduct “training” and/or “internship” exchange visitor programs are the only entities authorized to issue the Form DS-7002 for prospective “trainee” and “intern” participants in the Exchange Visitor Program. These sponsors issue completed and signed Forms DS-7002 to the foreign nationals they select to participate in their exchange visitor program. The list of the designated Training (Non-specialty and Specialty) and Intern sponsors are found on our website at: http://eca.state.gov/jexchanges/index.cfm.
*Please note that the State Department is in the process of reviewing applications for the new “intern” category, which was established as part of the Interim Final Rule published in the Federal Register on June 19, 2007. This includes applications from current sponsors designated to use the “trainee” category now applying to use the new “intern” category. Once this transition from the “trainee, non-specialty” designation to “intern” category is complete, the current “specialty” and “non-specialty” designations for the “trainee” category will no longer be in use.
How can I send a complaint against one of the Exchange Visitor Program designated sponsors to the State Department?
The State Department wants to ensure that all participants involved in the Exchange Visitor Program, including exchange visitor participants, host families, host business and host organizations enjoy a positive and successful exchange experience. To that end, the Department reviews and responds to written complaints against designated sponsors and works with the sponsors to ensure that problems are resolved and that all Exchange Visitor Program participants have a positive and successful exchange experience.
Written complaints must be filed with the Office of Private Sector Exchange to follow-up complainants’ concerns. Please be as detailed as possible and provide evidence to support your complaint. Please be aware that situations of a contractual nature fall outside the jurisdiction of the State Department. The Office will follow-up with the designated sponsor upon receipt each complaint. Written complaints may be submitted to the Office of Private Sector Exchange via e-mail at jvisas@state.gov, at the address or by fax as written below.
If your concerns relate to a university/college or government sponsor, you may submit a written complaint to:
Mailing Address:
U.S. Department of State
Office of Designation
Government and Academic Programs Division
ECA/EC/AG – SA-5, Floor 5
2200 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20522-0505
Street Address (couriers):
U.S. Department of State
Office of Designation
Government and Academic Programs Division
ECA/EC/AG – SA-5, Floor 5
2200 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
FAX number: (202) 632-2701
If your concerns relate to all other private sector sponsors, submit your written complaint to:
Mailing Address:
U.S. Department of State
Office of Designation
Private Sector Programs Division
ECA/EC/PS – SA-5, Floor 5
2200 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20522-0505
Street Address (couriers):
U.S. Department of State
Office of Designation
Private Sector Programs Division
ECA/EC/PS – SA-5, Floor 5
2200 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
FAX number: (202) 632-2701
Where can I find information about the exchange programs funded by the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (such as The Fulbright Program or the FLEX Secondary School Exchange Program)?
To find information about these exchange program and initiatives, please view the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs website.
Who should I contact regarding work visas or work authorizations in the United States?
Work visas or work authorizations do not relate to the Exchange Visitor Program and the J-1 exchange visitor visa. Work visas/authorizations are within the purview of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What are the required visa fees for participating in the Exchange Visitor Program (obtaining a J-1 visa)?
Each applicant for a visa must pay a non refundable $131 (U.S. currency) nonimmigrant visa application-processing fee. If the visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee for citizens of certain countries.
Do all exchange visitors have to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee?
Most exchange visitors are required to pay a one-time SEVIS fee of $100 (U.S. currency).
For the Summer Work/Travel, Au Pair, and Camp Counselor programs, the fee is $35 (U.S. currency). All those applying for a J-1 visa for initial participation in a program must pay this fee. In addition, those already in the United States applying for a change of status to J-1 must pay the fee, as does an exchange visitor applying for a change of category. Exceptions: Government-sponsored exchange visitors who are participating in programs with a program number that begins with G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-7 do not need to pay the fee.
Continuing exchange visitors do not pay the SEVIS I-901 fee when they:
- Reenter the United States to continue participation in an exchange visitor program or program of study as long as nonimmigrant status was maintained
- Already paid the SEVIS fee but the visa was denied within the last 12 months, and they are applying again for a visa in the same exchange visitor category
- Transfer between programs in the same exchange visitor category, unless the new program requires a higher fee
- Apply to extend their stay in order to complete the current program within the maximum duration of participation of the category in which they are participating
There are no fee waivers available for the SEVIS I-901 fee. For more information see: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/.
What is the visa interview like?
Once the exchange visitor receives the Form DS 2019 from the sponsor, they must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and make a visa appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest their home. At the visa appointment, the consular officer will determine whether the potential exchange visitor qualifies for the visa. Applicants must demonstrate that they properly meet the requirements to be issued an exchange visitor visa, including the following:
- That they plan to remain in the United States for a temporary, specific, limited period;
- Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States;
- Evidence of compelling social and economic ties to their home country.
Which documents are most important for the exchange visitor?
The critical documents that each exchange visitor must protect for the duration of their stay in the United States are:
- All Forms DS 2019 issued
- Passport
- Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (small white card stapled in passport by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry)
It is the responsibility of the Responsible Officer (RO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) to make sure the exchange visitor understands what each of these documents signifies. Exchange visitors should be advised to keep a copy of their Form DS 2019 even beyond the end of their program in case it is needed at some future point.
When can exchange visitors enter the United States prior to the start of their exchange program? And, when must exchange visitors depart the United States by after the completion of their exchange program?
Two 30 day periods govern an exchange visitor’s authorized stay in the United States. The first 30-day period occurs before an exchange visitor’s program begin/start date stated on the exchange visitor’s Form DS-2019. The second 30-day period occurs after the exchange visitor’s successful completion of the program end date stated on his/her Form DS-2019. Both periods relate to non-immigrant visa holders’ immigration status in the United States.
In addition, the 30-day periods (before and after the actual exchange visitor program start/end dates) fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
How does an exchange visitor “Maintain Program Status”?
Exchange visitors are admitted to the United States for a specific period of time to engage in a particular program (activity), as described on their Form DS 2019. Exchange visitors must maintain lawful (J-1) program status, as failure to do so can have serious long-term consequences.
Key Reminders:
- Exchange visitors must know the expiration date of their program (the end date in section 3 of the DS 2019 Form) and the expected departure date. If regulations permit and the Exchange visitors J-1 program is extended, the sponsor must use SEVIS to change the end date on the Form DS 2019 prior to the expiration date of the original Form, reprint the Form, sign it in blue ink and give it to the exchange visitor.
- When traveling outside the United States, exchange visitors must first obtain a “travel signature” on the Form DS 2019 to facilitate re-entry. Exchange visitors should be reminded to retain all copies of Form DS-2019 with their immigration papers.
- Exchange visitors must never accept unauthorized employment.
- Exchange visitors must comply with the Department of State’s health insurance requirements for J-1 visa holders and their families. Willful disregard of this requirement will result in termination of the J-1 program.
- Exchange visitors must keep their passports valid. Passports can be renewed by foreign embassies in Washington D.C. and foreign consulates in other cities. For information about embassies, see http://www.embassy.org.
What does the notation “D/S” on the I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, mean?
Exchange visitors (J-1) are admitted to the United States for the period of time necessary to complete their program, and are given the notation “D/S” (Duration of Status) on their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration officials at the port of entry into the United States.
For non-immigrants admitted with Duration of Status, unlawful presence in the United States begins to accrue on the date DHS finds a status violation while adjudicating a request for an immigration benefit (for example, a request for a change of status), or when an immigration judge finds a status violation during proceedings. For non-immigrants admitted with a date certain (as opposed to D/S), unlawful presence begins to accrue on the date the Form I-94 expires.
Where can I find useful travel tips to the United States?
http://usembassy.state.gov/
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/
Where can I find information about the various visas types to travel to the United States?
http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
Find out more at http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges/faq.html
What is the purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 visa program)?
The Exchange Visitor Program is carried out pursuant to the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended. Its purpose is to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. All exchanges visitors are expected to return to their home country upon completion of their program in order to share their exchange experiences with people in their home country.
Are there regulations which govern the Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 visa program)?
Yes, the regulations are set forth at 22 Code of Federal Register (CFR) Part 62. The regulations implement the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended, Public Law 87-256, 22 U.S.C. 2451, et seq. (1988). Please note we are revising the governing regulations. The regulations, and related Federal Register Notices updating the regulations, can be viewed from our web site at federal register publications link under E-Resources.
The consolidated Exchange Visitor Program regulations can be viewed from E-Resources at the link above.
What is the role and responsibility of the State Department’s Office of Private Sector Exchange?
The State Department’s Office of Private Sector Exchange in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is responsible for designating and monitoring eligible U.S. government, academic and private sector entities to administer their own exchange visitor programs in order to further promote international exchanges and the U.S. government’s public diplomacy efforts.
How can I contact the State Department’s Office of Private Sector Exchange?
Staff member’s names and areas of responsibility are provided on our web site. In addition, you may contact the Office via its general inquiries e-mail address: jvisas@state.gov. This mailbox is monitored on a daily basis and Office staff try to reply to inquiries within one to two business days of receipt of an e-mail inquiry.
Find More at http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges/faq.html
To be eligible for designation as a program sponsor, an organization must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of Department of State (DoS), its ability to comply and remain in continual compliance with all provisions of the Exchange Visitor Program regulations (22 CFR Part 62) and, at all times, to meet its financial obligations and responsibilities attendant to successful sponsorship of its exchange program; see 22 CFR 62.3(b) and 22 CFR 62.5(b) of the regulations. Also, with the submission of an application to DoS, it is expected that the organization will be fully prepared to begin the administration of the program upon designation from the Department.
If you are interested in applying with the DoS to be considered for designation to become an exchange visitor program sponsor, please refer to the Department of Homeland Security’s User Manual for Temporary Users of SEVIS. This manual was written as a resource for temporary users of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It provides instructions for users who wish to complete DoS Form DS-3036, Exchange Visitor Program Application.
If you have questions regarding the application process or the regulations regarding the category of exchange in which you are interested, call the Office Private Sector Exchange and ask to speak to a Program Designation Officer. Contact information is available at Office Information.
Get More information at http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges/sponsors.html