J-1 Visa Types

Au Pair

Live with a host family, provide childcare, and take classes at a U.S. institution.

Camp Counselor

Work at U.S. summer camps in supervisory or counseling roles.

College and University Student

Study at an accredited U.S. college or university, sometimes with academic training or internships.

Government Visitor

High-profile individuals invited by U.S. government agencies for cultural, educational, or professional exchange.

Intern

Students or recent graduates engage in structured internships (up to 12 months) related to their field of study.

International Visitor

Selected individuals, often influential in their fields, invited for cultural or professional exchange (sponsored by the U.S. Department of State).

Physician

Foreign medical graduates pursue graduate medical education or training in the U.S. (often requiring a "home residency" obligation afterward).

Professor and Research Scholar

Teach, lecture, observe, or conduct research at U.S. institutions (typically 3–5 years).

Short-Term Scholar

Professors, researchers, or specialists coming for short visits (up to 6 months) to lecture, observe, train, or demonstrate.

Specialist

Experts in specialized fields come to exchange knowledge (up to 1 year).

Student (Secondary School)

High school students attend U.S. secondary schools and live with host families or in boarding schools (usually 1 academic year).

Teacher

Foreign teachers work in accredited U.S. primary or secondary schools (up to 3 years, sometimes extendable).

Trainee

Professionals gain training with U.S. businesses in fields like management, commerce, finance, hospitality, etc. (up to 18 months).

✅ Key Point: Each J-1 visa requires a designated program sponsor, and the specific activities permitted depend on the category.

Some categories carry a two-year home-country residency requirement after completion, unless waived.