J1 Visa USA: Requirement, Fee, Application, Processing Time

Are you an exchange student and going to the USA soon? Then you'd want to know about the J1 visa in USA. Check out what is J1 visa in USA, what are the J1 visa categories, how to work on a J1 visa and most importantly how to apply for a J1 visa followed by J1 visa fees and visa processing times for the exchange visitor visa in the USA. 

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is a nonimmigrant student visa in USA. This nonimmigrant J-1 visa in USA offers ample opportunities for 300,000+ foreign visitors coming from around 200 countries to experience US society and culture and engage with Americans. The J form applies to student exchange programs like studying in USA and also for those who want to work in USA for a short period. The opportunities offered to exchange students are mostly for cultural exchange, learning exchange and building networks. To go on an exchange program at US universities or work in USA for a short while, applicants must enrol for the programs. Then they must find sponsors who can fund them. Check out all the details in this article for J-1 visa in USA.

What is J1 Visa in USA?

The J1 visa is intended for applicants who are interested in pursuing education, an internship, or getting hands-on training in the US for a short period. The J-1 visa program allows individuals to both study and work, at the same time. Also, this non-immigrant visa allows international applicants to enter the US to participate in cultural exchange and gain profession-related skills. Presently, over 170,000 J1 visa holders are in the US working, studying, or teaching. Individuals can come to the US through sponsorship through either a governmental program or a private organization.

Importance of J1 Visa in US for Study

• The J-1 visa allows foreign nationals to participate in a variety of academic and educational programs in the U.S., including student internships, study abroad programs, language training programs, and specialized training programs.
• The J-1 visa program promotes cultural exchange between the U.S. and other countries. It enables international students and scholars to experience American culture and society while sharing their own cultures with Americans.
• Many J-1 visa programs offer opportunities for professional development and training in various fields, such as medicine, business, and science. This can help individuals enhance their skills and knowledge while contributing to their respective fields.
• The J-1 visa allows international students and scholars to attend and participate in programs at prestigious U.S. educational institutions, which may not be accessible or available in their home countries.
• In some cases, the J-1 visa can serve as a stepping stone for individuals who wish to pursue further study or employment opportunities in the U.S. through other visa categories, such as the F-1 (student) visa or the H-1B (speciality occupation) visa.

J1 Visa Categories in USA for Study

The J-1 Visa Program includes 13 different exchange programme categories. Depending on the category chosen, a visa obtained under the ‘J1 Exchange Visitor Program’ will allow an international applicant to work, train or travel in the US. The J1 Visa also benefits US businesses by providing them with seasonal staff. Here are some of the main categories of the J1 visa -

1. Short-Term Scholar - Every year, research scholars teach along with conducting research at US universities for up to six months.
2. Au Pair - Individuals between the ages of 18 - 26 years can come to the US to study and live with a sponsored family for up to two years. They can study at a US university, along with providing childcare to the sponsor family.
3. Internship – Recent graduates can come to the US to learn about American culture and get hands-on experience in their chosen profession.
4. Work and Travel – Full-time students enrolled at a post-secondary school can come to the US to work and travel during the winter, spring and summer season breaks.
5. Camp Counselor – Individuals who are 18 years or older can come to the US and work with local youth at the US summer camps as camp teachers.
6. International Visitor Program - the US Department of State selects international visitors to consult, research, observe, and train with the US colleges.
7. Professor & Research Scholar - The exchange of professors promotes an exchange of ideas, research and mutual enrichment. There are also links formed between research and academic institutions in the United States and different foreign countries.

Many J1 holders who are in US universities are typically research scholars or visiting professors. Other J1 programs also offer educational opportunities, such as Au Pair. However, it is important to check with your sponsor family to determine the visa you will be applying for.

Working in the US on J1 Student Visa

The number of hours you are allowed to work depends on the program you apply for. So it is important to research beforehand and know the requirements. Some J1 visas have a two-year residence requirement, which means you would be required to remain in India for two years after finishing your J1 program.

J-1 Visa Eligibility Criteria for Studying in USA

To be eligible to apply for a J-1 visa in USA, the applicants must fulfil the following criteria: 

1. Applicants should have adequate financial support for all of their school tenure and living expenses, plus additional financial support if any family members are accompanying.
2. Around 51% of a student's total financial support should ideally come from an institutional or government sponsor in the form of anything - scholarship, fellowship, assistantship, stipend, tuition waiver, or other directly supported aid specifically for the educational program for obtaining a J-1 visa in USA. 

How to Apply for J1 Visa?

The application process for a J1 visa is similar to that of a tourist visa (B1). Below are the steps you need to follow to apply for the J1 visa -

1. Look for a non-personal sponsor to help you study or work on a J visa in USA. There is a list of sponsors based on your category on the official website, you can choose and then apply for your J-1 visa application. 
2. You will also have to complete and submit the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form
3. Pay the visa fee (USD 185) or the SEVIS fee to the DHS (Department of Homeland Security). 
4. Schedule your visa appointment and Bio-metric appointment
5. For your visa application centre appointment, you must bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and appointment confirmation page.
6. Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date of your visa interview.

Please note: Applicants applying for J visas and participating in any of the official US Government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges will be exempted from paying any fee. While the others will have to pay a fee to get a J1 visa to study in USA. 

Documents Required for J Form

The following documents would be required to be attached to the J Form in the USA for exchange students:

• DS-2019 Form - Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status
• DS-7002 Form (for exchange visitor trainees or intern visa applicants)
• DS-160 Form
• A valid passport for travelling to the U.S. with six months validity after the intended period of stay in the US.
• Scores of exams like TOEFL or IELTS as ELP proofs if at all required.
• One 2x2 photograph same as the one used in all forms

Scheduling J1 Visa Interview