Path context
Visa / work rights
Use visa information to verify whether a career path is workable for you. Visa and work rights stay separate from the public CampCareer Score.
5 verified routes
J-1 Exchange Visitor
United States
Source pending
N/A
Program duration (varies by category — typically weeks to years)
N/A (stipend provided by program per category)
Requirements
- Accepted into a US State Department-designated J-1 exchange program (Summer Work Travel, Intern, Trainee, Professor/Researcher, Student, etc.)
- Sponsor organization provides Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status)
- Comply with home-country residency requirement (212(e)) — where applicable; most categories require return to home country for at least 2 years after program completion
- Demonstrate sufficient funds or program-sponsored support
Process overview
- 1
Apply to and be accepted by a J-1 program sponsor
2 – 12 weeks - 2
Receive DS-2019 from sponsor; pay SEVIS fee (I-901)
1 – 2 weeks - 3
Complete DS-160 and schedule visa interview
1 – 3 weeks - 4
Visa interview at US embassy/consulate (J-1 waiver interview for Q-1 or when 212(e) applies)
1 day - 5
Visa issuance and travel to US
1 – 4 weeks
Cost breakdown
- SEVIS I-901 fee$220.00
- DS-160 visa application fee (MRV fee)$185.00
- Program sponsor fee (varies widely by category and institution)Optional$0.00
SEVIS and MRV fees are mandatory. Sponsorship fees vary by program and host organization. Many J-1 programs provide a stipend or scholarship. Costs may vary. Check official sources.
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