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Exchange Visitor (J) Visas

If you are traveling to the United States as an exchange visitor, you need to apply for an Exchange Visitor (J) visa.

In addition to all the documents listed in the General Documentation Requirements section, please bring the following documents:
  • Form DS-158 - the Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants supplemental form
  • PROOF OF PAYMENT of SEVIS Fee - Form I-797 or I-901 (for first-time exchange visitors)
  • School transcripts - all returning students must bring a copy of their school transcripts
  • Form DS-2019 - make sure that your International Advisor has signed this form for the current educational year.
  • Form DS-7002 (A Training/Internship Placement Plan) - All exchange visitor  trainee or intern visa applicants with DS-2019 forms dated on or after July 19, 2007 (based on Box 7 on form) must also present Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002 when applying for your visa. If your Form DS-2019 is issued prior to July 19, 2007 a Form DS-7002 is not required. For more information about the new rules for trainee and intern programs, see the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Exchange Visitor Program, Private Sector Programs. – New!

SPOUSES AND CHILDREN
In addition to all the documents listed in the General Documentation Requirements section spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal exchange visitor (J) visa holder must present the following:

  • Form DS-158 - the Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants supplemental form
  • Form DS-2019 for Dependents
  • Proof that the principal applicant (the person who received the DS-2019) is maintaining his/her J visa status
  • Copy of the J-1's (principal applicant's) visa
  • Proof of relationship to the principal applicant (Marriage and/or Birth Certificate)

TWO-YEAR FOREIGN RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
If the exchange visitor is subject to INA 212(e) requirement, he or she CAN go to the USA for business, pleasure (B visa) or study (F or J visa).
But he/she CANNOT go on a working visa (H or L), fiancé visa (K), or acquire immigrant or permanent residence status (LPR) until he or she has returned to his/her home country for an aggregate of at least two years.

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