J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Overview

Table of Contents

What is the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and what is its purpose?

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is a U.S. Department of State program designed to promote international educational and cultural exchange. It allows students, scholars, researchers, professors, and other professionals to come to the U.S. temporarily to study, teach, conduct research, consult, or participate in collaborative academic activities.

The program’s goal is not only professional development, but also mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries through structured exchange experiences.

Reference(s)/Resource(s): Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act), 22 U.S.C. § 2451; U.S. Department of State: Exchange Visitor Program

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What is the history of the Exchange Visitor Program and how has it evolved?

The Exchange Visitor Program was created in 1961 as part of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act). It was established during the Cold War to encourage diplomacy, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing across borders.

Over time, the program has expanded to include a wide range of academic, research, and professional exchange categories while maintaining its core emphasis on cultural exchange and temporary participation.

Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 U.S.C. § 2451 et seq; U.S. Department of State: About the Exchange Visitor Program

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What are all the J-1 visa categories, and which ones are specifically designed for academic and research purposes?

There are 15 distinct categories within the U.S. Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 visa), designed to facilitate educational and cultural exchange for various participants like students, scholars, teachers, and au pairs, each with specific goals for teaching, studying, researching, or training in the U.S.

The following are designed and most often used for academic and research roles:

  • Research Scholar – for individuals primarily conducting research

  • Professor – for individuals primarily teaching or teaching and researching

  • Short-Term Scholar – for short research or teaching visits (up to six months)

  • Specialist – for experts providing specialized knowledge or skills

Your sponsoring institution will determine the most appropriate category based on your role, activities, and length of stay.

See Section 2: “Academic Categories: Eligibility & Requirements” for additional details about each category.

Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR Part 62 Exchange Visitor Program; BridgeUSA Program Categories Overview

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What is a Responsible Officer (RO) and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), and what are their responsibilities?

The Responsible Officer (RO) and Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs) are individuals authorized by the U.S. Department of State to manage J-1 programs.

They are responsible for:

  • Issuing and updating your Form DS-2019

  • Maintaining your SEVIS record

  • Advising you on J-1 rules and benefits

  • Authorizing employment, extensions, and travel signatures

  • Reporting required updates to the Department of State

If you ever have questions about your status, your RO or ARO should be your first point of contact.

Tip: If something changes in your program or personal situation, contact your RO or ARO before taking action. Early communication can prevent status problems.

Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.5 Designation of Sponsors; 22 CFR 62.11 Responsible Officers

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What are the mandatory cross-cultural exchange components of all J-1 programs, and how must they be documented?

All J-1 programs are required by the U.S. Department of State to include meaningful cross-cultural exchange as a core component of participation. This means your program must provide structured opportunities for you to engage with U.S. culture and share your own cultural perspectives with others.

Your sponsoring institution is responsible for facilitating and documenting (in an annual report to the U.S. Department of State) these cross-cultural activities as part of its oversight of the J-1 program. Documentation may include:

  • Orientation sessions that address U.S. culture, laws, and community norms

  • Organized cultural, educational, or community-based activities

  • Records of participation or attendance

  • Program materials or communications describing cross-cultural components

As the J-1 participant, you are expected to actively engage in these opportunities and participate in good faith throughout your program.

Note: Ensuring compliance with the cross-cultural exchange requirement is a shared responsibility, but the primary responsibility rests with the J-1 program sponsor. Failure by a sponsor to support cross-cultural exchange can raise compliance concerns during U.S. Department of State reviews.

Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.1(b) Purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program; 22 CFR 62.10(d)(2) Monitoring of Exchange Visitors

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What specific cross-cultural activities must academic J-1 participants engage in during their program?

There is no single required activity, but you are expected to participate in ongoing, purposeful cross-cultural engagement throughout your program. For academic J-1 scholars, this may include activities such as:

  • Participating in campus cultural events, lectures, or workshops

  • Engaging with students, faculty, or staff outside your immediate research group

  • Taking part in community activities, volunteer opportunities, or local events

  • Sharing your home country’s culture through presentations, classroom visits, or informal discussions

  • Attending programs organized by your international office or sponsoring department

As the J-1 participant, you are expected to actively engage in these opportunities and participate in good faith throughout your program.

Note: Ensuring compliance with the cross-cultural exchange requirement is a shared responsibility, but the primary responsibility rests with the J-1 program sponsor. Failure by a sponsor to support cross-cultural exchange can raise compliance concerns during U.S. Department of State reviews.

Reference(s)/Resource(s): 22 CFR 62.10(d)(2)Program Administration

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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.