J-1 Visa FAQs
(Comprehensive Index)
General Information
Q1: What is a J-1 Visa?
A nonimmigrant visa for cultural and educational exchange.
Q2: Who oversees the J-1 Visa?
The U.S. Department of State.
Q3: What is the purpose of J-1?
To promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Q4: Is J-1 an immigrant visa?
No, it is temporary.
Q5: How long is a J-1 valid?
Varies by program, from weeks to years.
Q6: How many categories exist?
About 15 major ones.
Q7: Is J-1 only for students?
No, it covers many groups.
Q8: How is J-1 different from F-1?
J-1 is for exchange; F-1 is mainly for study.
Q9: Do all J-1s need sponsors?
Yes, always.
Q10: What is SEVIS?
A tracking system for students/exchange visitors.
Q11: How many people use J-1 yearly?
Hundreds of thousands.
Q12: Which countries use J-1 most?
Large numbers from Europe, Asia, Latin America.
Q13: Can you do J-1 multiple times?
Yes, depending on category rules.
Q14: What is DS-2019?
A certificate of eligibility for J-1.
Q15: Who issues DS-2019?
The sponsor.
Q16: Is J-1 only for young people?
No, many categories have no age limit.
Q17: Can retirees apply?
Yes, in some cases.
Q18: Is health insurance required?
Yes, for J-1 and J-2.
Q19: Can J-1 lead to a green card?
Not directly.
Q20: What is the Exchange Visitor Program?
The official J-1 framework.
Q21: Is cultural exchange required?
Yes, central to the program.
Q22: Can J-1 be for sports?
Yes, in some categories.
Q23: Is J-1 renewable?
Yes, within limits.
Q24: Is J-1 capped like H-1B?
No.
Q25: Is J-1 part of foreign policy?
Yes, it builds diplomacy.
Q26: Are J-1 rules strict?
Yes, violations have consequences.
Q27: Is J-1 common for internships?
Yes.
Q28: Can J-1 include cultural events?
Yes.
Q29: Can I apply without English skills?
No, unless not required for the program.
Q30: Is J-1 flexible?
Only within rules.
Q31: Is J-1 valid for research?
Yes.
Q32: Does J-1 apply to high school exchange?
Yes.
Q33: Is J-1 open to teachers?
Yes.
Q34: Can J-1 be used for summer jobs?
Yes.
Q35: Does J-1 apply to camp counselors?
Yes.
Q36: Do all J-1s have cultural activities?
Yes.
Q37: Can J-1s attend conferences?
Yes, if relevant.
Q38: Are J-1s monitored?
Yes, through SEVIS.
Q39: Is J-1 a student visa?
It can be.
Q40: Does J-1 end with program completion?
Yes, plus 30-day grace.
Eligibility (Q41–Q70)
Q41: Who qualifies for J-1?
Anyone accepted into a sponsor program.
Q42: Is there an age limit?
Depends on category.
Q43: Do I need funding proof?
Yes.
Q44: Can family apply with me?
Yes, as J-2.
Q45: Do I need English skills?
Yes, unless waived.
Q46: Is health proof needed?
Sometimes.
Q47: Can self-employed apply?
No, without a sponsor.
Q48: Can students apply?
Yes.
Q49: Can professionals apply?
Yes.
Q50: Are retirees eligible?
Yes, in certain categories.
Q51: Do I need to be in school?
Only for student categories.
Q52: Do I need prior work experience?
Yes, for trainees.
Q53: Do I need a sponsor in U.S.?
Yes.
Q54: Can high schoolers join?
Yes.
Q55: Can J-2 kids study?
Yes.
Q56: Can J-2s work?
Yes, with authorization.
Q57: Do I need a background check?
Often.
Q58: Can I apply with a criminal record?
Depends on the crime.
Q59: Do I need a return ticket?
Not required, but proof of return intent helps.
Q60: Do I need a home address abroad?
Yes.
Q61: Do interns need a degree?
Yes, or enrollment.
Q62: Do trainees need work experience?
Yes.
Q63: Can part-time students apply?
Sometimes.
Q64: Is a medical exam required?
For some.
Q65: Can English tests be waived?
Yes, in rare cases.
Q66: Can low-income students apply?
Yes, if funded.
Q67: Do I need a U.S. employer?
Yes, for work categories.
Q68: Can NGOs sponsor J-1?
Yes, if approved.
Q69: Can governments sponsor J-1?
Yes.
Q70: Do companies sponsor J-1?
Yes, if designated.
Application Process (Q71–Q110)
Q71: How do I apply?
Through a sponsor, DS-2019, then embassy.
Q72: What is DS-160?
Online visa application form.
Q73: What is SEVIS fee?
A government fee to track students/exchange visitors.
Q74: How much is SEVIS fee?
Usually $220 for J-1.
Q75: What is MRV fee?
The embassy application fee.
Q76: How much is MRV fee?
$185 currently.
Q77: When do I pay SEVIS?
Before the interview.
Q78: What documents are needed?
Passport, DS-2019, DS-160 confirmation, proof of funds.
Q79: Is an interview required?
Yes, in most cases.
Q80: What happens in interview?
Officer asks about program and intent to return.
Q81: Can I apply from abroad?
Yes, at a U.S. embassy.
Q82: Can I apply inside U.S.?
Not initially; only status changes.
Q83: Can I expedite?
Yes, sometimes.
Q84: How long does approval take?
Varies, often weeks.
Q85: What if denied?
You may reapply.
Q86: Can I appeal denial?
Not formally, but you can try again.
Q87: Do I need biometrics?
Yes, fingerprints and photo.
Q88: Do kids need interviews?
Often waived under age 14.
Q89: Is DS-2019 enough to travel?
No, you need the visa stamp.
Q90: Can sponsors deny DS-2019?
Yes.
Q91: Do sponsors charge fees?
Yes, often.
Q92: Can I transfer programs?
Sometimes.
Q93: Can my visa be revoked?
Yes, for violations.
Q94: Can I apply without a sponsor?
No.
Q95: Do I need translations of documents?
Yes, if not in English.
Q96: Is there a lottery like H-1B?
No.
Q97: Can I use an agent to apply?
Yes, but be careful.
Q98: Can I start without visa approval?
No.
Q99: Do I need to show cultural intent?
Yes.
Q100: Is SEVIS refundable?
No.
Q101: Do I need U.S. health insurance proof?
Yes.
Q102: Do I need U.S. bank account?
No.
Q103: Do I need a U.S. address?
Yes, after arrival.
Q104: Do sponsors interview me?
Yes, usually.
Q105: Do embassies reject often?
It depends.
Q106: Can I reapply quickly after denial?
Yes.
Q107: Do I need travel itinerary?
Not required, but helps.
Q108: Do I need family info?
Yes, in DS-160.
Q109: Do I need school transcripts?
Sometimes.
Q110: Do I need letters of reference?
Sometimes for certain programs.
Sponsors & Hosts (Q111–Q140)
Q111: What is a sponsor?
An approved organization overseeing J-1s.
Q112: What is a host?
The site where you work/study.
Q113: Are sponsors always employers?
No.
Q114: Do sponsors arrange housing?
Sometimes.
Q115: Can hosts pay me?
Yes, if program allows.
Q116: Can I change hosts?
With sponsor approval.
Q117: Do hosts report to sponsor?
Yes.
Q118: Can I have multiple hosts?
Yes, if authorized.
Q119: Can sponsors cancel my program?
Yes.
Q120: Are sponsors government agencies?
Sometimes.
Q121: Can universities be sponsors?
Yes.
Q122: Can private firms be sponsors?
Yes, if approved.
Q123: Can sponsors refuse applicants?
Yes.
Q124: Do sponsors charge?
Yes, often program fees.
Q125: Do hosts need approval?
Yes, from sponsor.
Q126: Can sponsors replace hosts?
Yes.
Q127: Can a sponsor lose designation?
Yes.
Q128: What happens if sponsor closes?
You must transfer or leave.
Q129: Can I choose my sponsor?
Yes.
Q130: Do sponsors check my progress?
Yes.
Q131: Do sponsors provide training plans?
Yes, for interns/trainees.
Q132: Can hosts be unpaid?
Yes, if sponsor approves.
Q133: Do sponsors handle SEVIS?
Yes.
Q134: Can I be self-sponsored?
No.
Q135: Do sponsors help with visas?
Yes.
Q136: Do hosts need to follow U.S. labor laws?
Yes.
Q137: Do hosts pay fair wages?
Yes, if paid.
Q138: Can sponsors re
Quire orientation?
Yes.
Q139: Do sponsors provide insurance?
Sometimes.
Q140: Do hosts provide cultural exchange?
Yes, often required.
Duration & Extensions (Q141–Q170)
Q141: How long can I stay?
Depends on category.
Q142: Can I extend my J-1?
Yes, with sponsor approval.
Q143: Who approves extensions?
Sponsors, within limits.
Q144: Is there a fee for extension?
Yes.
Q145: Can I extend beyond category limits?
No.
Q146: How do I apply for extension?
Through your sponsor.
Q147: Can I switch categories?
Rarely, with approval.
Q148: What is a 12-month bar?
Rule preventing quick repeat programs.
Q149: What is a 24-month bar?
Rule preventing repeat scholars quickly repeating.
Q150: Can I overstay J-1?
No, it has consequences.
Q151: What happens if I overstay?
You lose legal status.
Q152: Can I fix an overstay?
Often only by leaving.
Q153: Can I start new J-1 after finishing?
Yes, sometimes.
Q154: Do I get grace period?
Yes, 30 days.
Q155: Can I work during grace?
No.
Q156: Can I travel in grace?
No, re-entry not allowed.
Q157: Can I apply for new visa in grace?
Yes, but must leave first.
Q158: Can I extend my DS-2019?
Yes, if sponsor allows.
Q159: Can extensions be denied?
Yes.
Q160: Do all categories allow extensions?
No.
Q161: Can medical emergencies extend J-1?
Sometimes.
Q162: Can government intervene for extension?
Yes, in rare cases.
Q163: Do I need to reapply for SEVIS with extension?
No, sponsor updates.
Q164: Can I extend J-2 too?
Yes, with J-1.
Q165: Can I switch to F-1 student visa?
Yes, sometimes.
Q166: Can I switch to H-1B?
Yes, if eligible.
Q167: Can I apply for Green Card after J-1?
Only if not subject to 2-year rule.
Q168: Do extensions need embassy approval?
No, just sponsor.
Q169: Can I apply for waiver while on J-1?
Yes.
Q170: Can I reapply for J-1 from home after finishing?
Yes.
Work & Study Rules (Q171–Q200)
Q171: Can I work on J-1?
Yes, if program allows.
Q172: Can I take any job?
No, only approved.
Q173: Can I volunteer?
Yes.
Q174: Can I intern unpaid?
Yes, if allowed.
Q175: Can I change employers?
With sponsor approval.
Q176: Can I have two jobs?
Sometimes.
Q177: What if I work illegally?
You risk termination.
Q178: Can students work off-campus?
Yes, with approval.
Q179: What is Academic Training?
Work permission for J-1 students.
Q180: How long is Academic Training?
Up to 18–36 months.
Q181: Is OPT available for J-1?
No, that’s for F-1.
Q182: Can teachers be paid?
Yes.
Q183: Can research scholars be paid?
Yes.
Q184: Do au pairs get a stipend?
Yes.
Q185: Do au pairs have hour limits?
Yes, 45 hours per week.
Q186: Can camp counselors be paid?
Yes.
Q187: Can summer work travel students change jobs?
Yes, with approval.
Q188: Can I freelance?
No.
Q189: Can I start a business?
No.
Q190: Can J-2s work anywhere?
Yes, with EAD.
Q191: Do I need Social Security number?
Yes, for paid work.
Q192: Can I get driver’s license?
Yes, with valid status.
Q193: Can I study while on J-1?
Yes, if part of program.
Q194: Can J-2s study full-time?
Yes.
Q195: Can J-1s take night classes?
Yes, if allowed.
Q196: Can au pairs study?
Yes, up to 6 credits per year.
Q197: Can J-1s work remotely abroad?
No, must be in U.S.
Q198: Can unpaid volunteering count as work?
Yes, if approved.
Q199: Do interns need training plan?
Yes, DS-7002.
Q200: Do trainees need structured program?
Yes.
Dependents — J-2 (Q201–Q220)
Q201: Who qualifies as J-2?
Spouses and kids under 21.
Q202: Can unmarried partners join?
No.
Q203: Can parents join?
No.
Q204: Do J-2s need DS-2019?
Yes.
Q205: Do J-2s pay SEVIS fee?
No.
Q206: Do J-2s need visa interviews?
Yes.
Q207: Can J-2 kids attend school?
Yes.
Q208: Can J-2s work?
Yes, with EAD.
Q209: How long does EAD take?
2–4 months.
Q210: Can J-2s work full-time?
Yes.
Q211: Can J-2s start businesses?
Yes, with EAD.
Q210: Do I pay Social Security/Medicare?
Generally exempt for J-1s.
Q211: Can I get unemployment benefits?
No, J-1s are not eligible.
Q212: Can I get workers’ comp?
Yes, if covered by employer.
Q213: Can I work beyond visa dates?
No, that is unauthorized.
Q214: Can I start working before SEVIS validation?
No, only after validation.
Q215: Can I moonlight?
No, unauthorized work ends status.
Q216: Can I change employers myself?
No, sponsor must approve.
Q217: Can I be self-employed?
No, only structured programs.
Q218: Can volunteers receive stipends?
Yes, if permitted by sponsor.
Q219: Can I get overtime pay?
Yes, if employer offers.
Q220: Can I unionize?
Yes, workers’ rights still apply.
Travel & Two-Year Rule (Q221–Q250)
Q221: Can I travel outside the U.S.?
Yes, with a valid visa and DS-2019 signature.
Q222: What happens if visa expires while abroad?
You must apply for a new one to re-enter.
Q223: Can I visit Canada or Mexico with expired visa?
Yes, under automatic revalidation (short trips).
Q224: What is automatic revalidation?
Re-entry without a new visa after trips under 30 days to Canada/Mexico.
Q225: Can J-1s visit home countries?
Yes, but must maintain program status.
Q226: Can I travel during grace period?
Only within U.S., not abroad.
Q227: What is the two-year home residency rule?
Some J-1s must return home for 2 years after program.
Q228: Who is subject to the two-year rule?
Those with government funding, medical training, or skills list.
Q229: Can I avoid the two-year rule?
No, unless granted a waiver.
Q230: What is a waiver?
Permission to skip the 2-year return.
Q231: Who grants waivers?
U.S. Department of State.
Q232: What are waiver grounds?
No objection statement, persecution, hardship, government interest.
Q233: Can family be included in waiver?
Yes, J-2s are tied to J-1.
Q234: Can I apply for H-1B after J-1?
Not if subject to 2-year rule without waiver.
Q235: Can I apply for Green Card after J-1?
Not if subject to rule unless waived.
Q236: Can I switch to F-1 after J-1?
Yes, if not subject to rule.
Q237: Can I return on ESTA after J-1?
Yes, as a tourist.
Q238: Can I return on B-1/B-2 after J-1?
Yes, if not subject to rule.
Q239: Can J-1s reapply for new J-1?
Yes, after compliance or waiver.
Q240: What is the 12-month bar?
Rule preventing new J-1 research/professor programs within 12 months.
Q241: What is the 24-month bar?
Rule preventing repeat research/professor programs for 24 months.
Q242: Can bars be waived?
No, unlike the 2-year rule.
Q243: Do bars apply to all categories?
No, only research/professors.
Q244: Can I travel while waiver pending?
Yes, but risky.
Q245: Can my J-2 family travel separately?
Yes, if they maintain status.
Q246: Can I renew visa while in U.S.?
No, only abroad.
Q247: Can I travel after program ends?
Yes, during grace period in U.S.
Q248: Can I overstay grace period?
No, it harms your record.
Q249: Can I get multiple visas in passport?
Yes, if needed.
Q250: Can expired visa be renewed inside U.S.?
No, must leave country.
Dependents (Q251–Q270)
Q251: Who are J-2 dependents?
Spouse and unmarried children under 21.
Q252: Can J-2s work?
Yes, with EAD from USCIS.
Q253: Can J-2s study?
Yes, full-time or part-time.
Q254: Can J-2s travel abroad?
Yes, with valid visa and DS-2019.
Q255: Can J-2s get Social Security numbers?
Yes, if authorized to work.
Q256: Can J-2s get driver’s licenses?
Yes, with proper documents.
Q257: Can J-2s get healthcare?
Yes, but must be insured.
Q258: Can J-2s attend U.S. schools?
Yes, children can enroll.
Q259: Can J-2s change to F-1?
Yes, by applying for change of status.
Q260: Can J-2s change to H-1B?
Yes, if eligible.
Q261: Are J-2s subject to two-year rule?
Yes, if J-1 is.
Q262: Can J-2s apply for waiver separately?
No, tied to J-1’s case.
Q263: Can J-2s stay longer than J-1?
No, status ends with J-1.
Q264: Can J-2s extend their stay?
Only if J-1 extends.
Q265: Can J-2s divorce J-1?
Then J-2 status ends.
Q266: Can J-2s remarry in U.S.?
Yes, but need new visa status.
Q267: Can J-2 children switch to F-1?
Yes, for independent studies.
Q268: Can J-2s work in any job?
Yes, once they get EAD.
Q269: Can J-2s volunteer?
Yes, without EAD.
Q270: Can J-2s overstay?
Yes, but same penalties as J-1.
Extensions, Transfers & Problems (Q271–
Q290)
Q271: Can J-1s extend their stay?
Yes, within program maximum.
Q272: How do I extend J-1?
Ask sponsor for new DS-2019.
Q273: Can J-2s extend too?
Yes, automatically with J-1.
Q274: Can I transfer sponsors?
Yes, with both sponsors’ approval.
Q275: How to transfer?
Current sponsor releases SEVIS record.
Q276: Can I transfer mid-program?
Yes, if new sponsor accepts.
Q277: Can I transfer to another category?
Not usually.
Q278: What if sponsor loses designation?
You must transfer to another.
Q279: Can I switch from private to government sponsor?
Yes, if approved.
Q280: What if sponsor won’t extend?
You must depart after program ends.
Q281: Can I appeal sponsor decisions?
No, they have full authority.
Q282: What if SEVIS record is wrong?
Ask sponsor to correct.
Q283: What if passport expires mid-program?
Renew before expiration.
Q284: What if visa expires mid-program?
Stay valid as long as DS-2019 is valid.
Q285: Can I remain with expired visa?
Yes, if DS-2019 valid and SEVIS active.
Q286: What if I lose DS-2019?
Request replacement from sponsor.
Q287: What if visa stamp is damaged?
Apply for new visa abroad.
Q288: What if passport is stolen?
Report and get replacement.
Q289: What if sponsor terminates me unfairly?
You must leave, no appeal.
Q290: What if I fall out of status?
You must leave immediately.
Miscellaneous (Q291–Q300)
Q291: Can I get U.S. driver’s license?
Yes, with valid documents.
Q292: Can I open a U.S. bank account?
Yes, with ID and visa documents.
Q293: Can I get a credit card?
Yes, but harder without U.S. credit.
Q294: Can I rent housing?
Yes, like any resident.
Q295: Can I join U.S. clubs?
Yes, social activities encouraged.
Q296: Can I bring pets?
Yes, following U.S. import rules.
Q297: Can I buy a car?
Yes, with license and insurance.
Q298: Can I marry a U.S. citizen?
Yes, but two-year rule may still apply.
Q299: Can I apply for asylum on J-1?
Yes, if fearing persecution.
Q300: Can I come back as tourist after J-1?
Yes, on ESTA or B-2 visa.
This platform is dedicated to providing information concerning the J1 Visa Program, with a focus on, but not limited to, J1 NY Visa opportunities.
We aim to make you a true J1 Visa Nerd! Scroll down for the complete list of pages on this platform, friend!
J1 NY Pages:
Application Process Flow Chart
Sponsor Information (detailed)
J-1 Visa Eligibility Requirements
J-1 Visa Legal Rights & Protections
J-1 Testimonial and Success Stories
© Copyright 2011 - 2025 J1NY.com. All Rights Reserved.
© Copyright 2011 - 2024 J1NY.com.
All Rights Reserved.