Applying for J-1 Status: Documents & Process

Table of Contents

    • What is the Short-Term Scholar category and who is it designed for?

    • What are the eligibility requirements for Short-Term Scholar (education, purpose, activities)?

    • What is the maximum duration of stay for a Short-term Scholar?

    • What funding options are available for Short-Term Scholars?

    • What is the Research Scholar category and who is it designed for?

    • What are the eligibility requirements for Research Scholar (education, purpose, activities)?

    • What is the maximum duration of stay for a Research Scholar?

    • What funding options are available for Research Scholars?

    • What is the Professor category and who qualifies?

    • What distinguishes a Professor from a Research Scholar for J-1 purposes?

    • What teaching and research activities are permitted under the Professor category?

    • What is the maximum duration of stay for a Professor?

    • Must Professors have a terminal degree in their field?

    • What is the Specialist category and what types of specialists does it cover?

    • What are the eligibility requirements for a Specialist?

    • What is the maximum duration and what activities are permitted for Specialists?

    • What funding options are available for Specialists?

    • What is the Student Intern category?

    • Who is eligible for Student Intern status (current students vs. recent graduates)?

    • What is the maximum duration of a Student Intern program?

    • What types of internship activities are permitted under Student Intern status?

    • How does Student Intern differ from the Intern/Trainee category?

    • What is the difference between the Intern and Trainee categories?

    • Are the Intern and Trainee categories appropriate for academic research positions?

    • What are the eligibility and duration requirements for Intern and Trainee?

    • What is the Teacher category used for?

    • Is the Teacher category appropriate for university-level instruction?

    • What are the requirements for primary and secondary school teachers under the J-1 program?

What is a DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility), and how do I obtain one from my sponsoring institution?

The Form DS-2019 is the official document that confirms you are eligible to participate in a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. It is issued by your sponsoring institution and is required to apply for a J-1 visa, enter the U.S., and maintain your J-1 status.

To obtain a DS-2019, your sponsoring department and international office will typically ask you to provide information such as:

  • Proof of your academic or professional qualifications

  • Details about your appointment or program activities

  • Proof of sufficient funding

  • Evidence of English language proficiency

  • Passport biographical information

Once your information is reviewed and approved, your sponsor will issue your DS-2019.

Tip: Review your DS-2019 carefully when you receive it. Make sure your name, dates, funding, and program category are correct before using it to apply for a visa.

Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.2 Definitions Form DS-2019, A Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-Nonimmigrant) Status

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What is SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and how does it relate to my J-1 status?

SEVIS is a U.S. government database used by the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to track J-1 exchange visitors and their dependents.

Your sponsoring institution uses SEVIS to:

  • Create and maintain your J-1 record

  • Report required updates (such as address changes, extensions, or early departures)

  • Confirm your program participation and compliance

Your DS-2019 is generated from SEVIS, and your J-1 status depends on your SEVIS record being accurate and up to date.

Note: Keeping your SEVIS record current is essential. Always report required changes to your international office promptly.  (See Section 12, Maintaining J-1 Status: Reporting and Compliance”) 

Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.2 Definition SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)

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How do I apply for a J-1 visa?

Once you receive the Form DS-2019 from your program sponsor, you may begin the J-1 visa application process. The process generally includes the following steps:

  1. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online.

  2. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160).

  3. Schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

  4. Gather required documents:

    • Valid passport (usually valid at least six months beyond your intended stay)

    • Original DS-2019, signed by you

    • SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt

    • DS-160 visa application confirmation page

    • Visa application fee receipt

    • Proof of funding listed on your DS-2019

    • Appointment or offer letter from your sponsoring institution

  5. Attend your interview and answer the officer’s questions clearly and truthfully.

Note: 

  • While the visa process can be stressful, it is important for you to be authentic and prepared to explain why you chose your school, program of study, research program, etc.

  • Visa reciprocity rules: Each country has its own rules for how long a U.S. visa may be valid, how many entries to the U.S. are allowed on the visa, and whether an additional reciprocity fee is required. Check the Visa Reciprocity Table on the U.S. Department of State website to understand your country’s rules. Select your country of citizenship from the list of countries on the left-hand side, and then select the visa category for which you are applying in the Visa Classification section. 

  • Timing your appointment: If you apply for your visa too early, it could expire before you have the chance to use it to enter the U.S. Always confirm both the validity period of your visa and your program start date to avoid problems.

  • Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need a visa. If you are a citizen of either of these countries, you will need to obtain a DS-2019, pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, and present those documents (and a valid passport, letter of appointment, proof of funding, etc.) to a CBP officer at a U.S. Port of Entry. 

Important: Plan ahead, but also time your visa appointment carefully. A visa issued too early for citizens of countries who have shorter visa validity periods may cause issues if the visa expires before you travel to the U.S. as your visa must be valid in order to enter the U.S. Keep in mind that you are not permitted to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the start date of your DS-2019.

Reference(s)/Resource(s): U.S. Department of State – Visa Wait Times; U.S. Department of State – U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country; U.S. Department of State: J-1 Visa Application Process; 9 FAM 402.5 Exchange Visitor Visas

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What fees am I required to pay when applying for a J-1 visa (SEVIS I-901 fee, visa application fee, etc.), and to whom are they paid?

Most J-1 applicants must pay the following fees:

  • SEVIS I-901 fee – paid to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to support SEVIS. You can find information on paying the SEVIS fee here: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.htm 

  • Visa application (MRV) fee – paid to the U.S. Department of State

  • Visa reciprocity fee (if applicable) – varies by country and is paid based on U.S. reciprocity agreements

Payment instructions are provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

Tip: Keep all fee payment receipts. You will need them for your visa interview and possibly when entering the U.S.

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How much funding do I need to demonstrate to obtain a J-1 visa for myself?

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funding to cover your living expenses and program-related costs for the entire duration of your J-1 program, as listed on your DS-2019.

The specific amount required is set by your sponsoring institution and may vary based on factors such as your location, appointment type, and length of stay. Only funding that is documented and verified by your sponsor can be included on your DS-2019.

Note: U.S. consular officers rely heavily on the funding information shown on your DS-2019 when reviewing your visa application.

Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.9(e) Funding and Financial Documentation

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How much additional funding is required for each J-2 dependent?

You must show additional funding for each J-2 dependent to cover living expenses, health insurance, and other related costs during their stay in the U.S. The amount may vary widely depending on your location in the U.S. and your sponsor’s requirements.

Your sponsor will provide specific dollar amounts required for:

  • A J-2 spouse

  • Each J-2 child

These amounts must be documented before dependent DS-2019s can be issued.

Tip: If your family plans to join you later, ask your sponsor early about the funding requirements so you can prepare documentation in advance.

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What sources of funding are acceptable for J-1 purposes (sponsor/institutional funding, government or home country funding, personal funds, third-party funding)?The maximum duration of stay in the U.S. in the Research Scholar category is 5 years, including time spent at multiple institutions in this category. The minimum duration is 3 weeks.

Acceptable funding sources may include one or more of the following:

  • Sponsor or institutional funding (such as salary, stipend, fellowship, or grant support)

  • Government or home-country funding

  • Personal funds (such as savings)

  • Third-party funding (such as a private scholarship or sponsoring organization)

All funding must be clearly documented, credible, and available for your use during the program.

Tip: If your funding source changes at any point during your program, notify your international office promptly so your records can be updated.

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How long does the J-1 visa application process typically take from start to finish?

Processing times vary widely based on your location, time of year, and individual circumstances.

Additional factors such as security clearances, administrative processing, or limited appointment availability may significantly extend processing times. Scholars are strongly encouraged to begin the process as early as possible and to avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements until a visa is issued.

Reference(s)/Resource(s): U.S. Department of State – Visa Wait Times

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What documents do I need to bring to my visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate?

You should bring the following:

  • Valid passport (usually valid at least six months beyond your intended stay)

  • Original DS-2019, signed by you

  • SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt

  • DS-160 visa application confirmation page

  • Visa application fee receipt

  • Proof of funding listed on your DS-2019

  • Appointment or offer letter from your sponsoring institution

Note: This list is not all inclusive. You may also be asked for additional documents depending on your situation.

Tip: Bring original documents whenever possible, not just copies.

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Can I apply for my J-1 visa before my program start date? How early can I enter the U.S.?The distinction is based on the primary activity: 

Yes. You may apply for your J-1 visa as soon as you receive your DS-2019 and are within the time frame allowed by the embassy or consulate.

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

Note: You may not begin your J-1 program activities before the official start date, even if you enter the U.S. early.

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What happens if my J-1 visa application is denied?

Visa denials can feel discouraging, but they happen regularly and are often due to issues that can be corrected. 

If your visa is denied, the consular officer will explain the reason – usually verbally, sometimes in writing. The most common reasons include:

  • Insufficient ties to your home country (INA §214(b)): The officer wasn’t convinced you intend to return home after your program. This is the most frequent reason for denial.

  • Incomplete or missing documentation (INA §221(g)): Required documents were not provided or were incorrect at your interview.

  • Security or immigration concerns: Past immigration violations or security-related issues flagged during the review process.

What You Should Do

  • Ask for clarification: Politely request the specific reason for denial from the consular officer.

  • Notify your program: Contact your Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) immediately to inform them of the denial and reason.

  • Address the issue: Gather additional evidence to overcome the concern. For example, if denied under §214(b), compile stronger proof of your ties to your home country (employment letters, property ownership, family obligations, etc.).

  • Reapply if eligible: Once you’ve addressed the deficiency, you may submit a new application.

Important: Most sponsoring institutions cannot assist with appeals for denials under INA §214(b) or §221(g), as these are consular decisions. However, they can help you understand what additional documentation might strengthen a future application.

Tip: Before reapplying, consult with your sponsoring institution’s international office. They can review your situation and advise on the best approach and supporting materials for your next attempt.

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U.S. immigration regulations are rapidly changing. Immigration rules can change quickly, and what is accurate today may not be true tomorrow. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific immigration questions or complex situations, consult with a qualified immigration attorney.