J1 Visa For Usa
Introduced in the late 1990s, the J-1 Visa program is an exchange visitor visa category which allows foreign citizens to enter the U.S. and enjoy a wide range of benefits including cultural exchanges, learning opportunities, work & travel programs and many more.
People all around the world dream of visiting America. I’m here to share with you information on the J1 visa, which is the most common visa to enter the United States.
The J1 visa provides foreign nationals the opportunity to travel and study in the United States. The program is sponsored by the U S State Department, Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies, as well as private sponsors.
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is a cultural exchange program that enables young adults to experience the United States. The program offers young people from other countries the opportunity to live and work in America for up to 4 months.
Exchange Visitors cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas – An exchange visitor visa (J) is required to participate in an exchange visitor program in the United States. Foreign nationals may not study after entering on a visitor (B) visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) For more information on the VWP, see Visa Waiver Program.
J1 Visa For Usa
Acceptance in Exchange Visitor Program – The first step is to apply for and be accepted into an exchange visitor program through a designated sponsoring organization in the United States. Visit the Department of State J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program website to learn about program requirements, regulations, and more.
After the exchange visitor program accepts your participation, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (except in certain cases – consult your exchange visitor program sponsor). Visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website to learn more about SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 Fee.
How to Apply
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the embassy or consulate website.
Complete the Online Visa Application
- Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160. You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
Schedule an Interview
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.
| If you are age: | Then an interview is: |
|---|---|
| 13 and younger | Generally not required |
| 14 – 79 | Required (some exceptions for renewals) |
| 80 and older | Generally not required |
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:
Appointment Wait Time
Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.