J-1 Visa Application Process

In the J-1 Visa Program, we'll be dealing with J-1 Sponsors and J-1 Hosts, two different entities with different purposes.

The J-1 sponsor is a US Department of State-designated organization that manages the cultural exchange program and is responsible for issuing the crucial DS-2019 form, acting as the participant's primary point of contact and support.

The host is always a U.S. entity, ranging from a company, to a university, or even a family, that provides the exchange experience, such as an internship, training, or academic program.

The sponsor and host work together, with the sponsor approving the host, providing administrative support, and ensuring compliance, while the host provides the actual exchange opportunity and on-site guidance.

Here’s a clear step-by-step summary of the J-1 visa application process:

1. Find a Program & Sponsor

You must first be accepted by a U.S. Department of State–designated sponsor organization (university, research institute, employer, exchange agency, etc.).

Sponsors decide eligibility and issue the required documents.

2. Receive Form DS-2019

Once accepted, your sponsor issues the Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status).

This document outlines your program, dates, category, and financial details.

3. Pay SEVIS Fee (Form I-901)

Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online to activate your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Keep the receipt, as it’s required for your visa interview.

4. Complete DS-160 (Visa Application Form)

Fill out the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.

Upload a passport-style photo.

Print the confirmation page for the interview.

5. Schedule & Attend Visa Interview

Book a visa appointment at your local U.S. embassy or consulate.

Bring:

Passport (valid 6+ months beyond stay)

DS-2019 form

DS-160 confirmation

SEVIS fee receipt

Visa fee receipt

Financial documents & sponsor acceptance

A consular officer will interview you about your program, intent, and funding.

6. Visa Approval & Issuance

If approved, your passport will be returned with a J-1 visa stamp.

Processing time varies.

7. Travel & Arrival in the U.S.

You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program start date (as listed on DS-2019).

Present your passport, visa, and DS-2019 at the port of entry.

8. Program Participation & Compliance

Maintain full participation in your program.

Follow all sponsor requirements (reporting, insurance, address updates).

Many categories require maintaining health insurance that meets Department of State standards.

9. Program Completion & Departure

You have a 30-day grace period after the program ends to prepare for departure.

Some categories trigger the two-year home residency requirement, meaning you must return home for 2 years before applying for certain U.S. visas/green cards (unless waived).

✅ Key takeaway: The process flows through sponsor → DS-2019 → SEVIS fee → DS-160 → embassy interview → visa issuance → U.S. entry.