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J-1 visas are issued for exchange programs such as a high school year, an internship or a trainee programs in the USA. The visa enables participation in cultural and professional exchange projects and promotes the international transfer of knowledge.
The J-1 visa is an exchange visa that allows international participants to temporarily stay in the US as part of an official exchange program. This visa is required if you wish to enter the USA as part of a program approved by the US Department of State - e.g. as an exchange student, intern, au pair or research fellow.
In simple terms, the J-1 visa covers the following purposes of stay, among others:
The specific requirements vary depending on the category of the exchange program.
DS-2019 form: A Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status issued by an authorized J-1 visa sponsor is required.
SEVIS registration: The exchange program must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and administered by a SEVIS-certified organization/institution.
Financial security: Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses during the stay.
Intention to return: Credible evidence of the intention to return to the home country or Country of residence after completion of the program.
A J-1 visa can only be applied for in cooperation with an official visa sponsor approved by the U.S. Department of State. These organizations/institutions act as an extension of the U.S. Department of State and are responsible for implementing the relevant exchange program in accordance with US regulations. Accordingly, the required DS-2019 form is issued, without which it is not possible to apply for a visa.
With a J-1 visa, participants are allowed to remain in the United States for the entire duration of their exchange program. In addition, they are permitted to travel or stay in the US for up to 30 days before the program starts and 30 days after the official end of the program – this period is known as the grace period. However, this time may not be used to start the program earlier or to extend it.
Multiple re-entries with the J-1 visa during the program are only possible if the DS-2019 form has a valid travel authorization (“Travel Validation”). This confirmation is noted on the original form by the responsible exchange organization and shows that the visa holder is in active and proper program status (“in good standing”). To do this, the original DS-2019 must usually first be sent to the organization (visa sponsor) and signed again there.
Important: Anyone planning to leave the US for a short period during the grace period and then re-enter should note that the visa and DS-2019 are no longer valid after the end of the program. Re-entry would then only be possible via the Visa Waiver Program (e.g., with ESTA) – however, this carries the risk of being turned away at the border. Leaving the country during the grace period is therefore not recommended if you plan to return to the US.
The validity of the J-1 visa depends on the program duration specified in the DS-2019 form and can only be used in combination with a valid DS-2019.
The maximum period of validity depends on the respective category of the J-1 program and varies depending on the purpose of the exchange:
Internal: up to 12 months
Trainee: up to 18 months
Other categories have their own regulations, which can be up to 5 years.
Irrespective of this, a minimum duration of 4 weeks applies to all programs.
Important: The visa validity does not automatically correspond to the permitted length of stay in the USA. The visa only defines the period during which entry into the USA is possible (between the date of issue and the expiration date). The actual length of stay, however, is determined by the period specified in the DS-2019 form and documented in the I-94 form with "D/S – Duration of status" upon arrival.
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