Exchange Visitor Visa
Exchange Visitors cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor (B1/B2) Visas –
Exchange Visitors participating in an exchange program must be issued an exchange visitor visa, or J-visa, to travel to the U.S.
Acceptance in Exchange Visitor Program
- Step One - Apply for an exchange visitor program through a pre-approved organization in the United States. Visit the Department of State J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program website to learn about more about these programs.
- Step Two - Be accepted into a qualifying program. Once you are accepted into a program, you will automatically be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- Step Three - Once you are notified your registration is active, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. (In some cases the fee is not required, consult your exchange visitor program sponsor). To learn more about SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 Fee, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website.
How to Apply
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the embassy or consulate website.
Complete the Online Visa Application
- Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160. You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
Schedule an Interview
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.
Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee (non-refundable)
- Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa (except E): $185.00
Gather Required Documentation
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
- Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your period of stay in the United States (unless allowed by country-specific agreements). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application. This includes any family members listed in your passport.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Pay attention to the visa photo requirements where you are applying. See more in Photograph Requirements.
- Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019 – After your program sponsor enters your information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database, they will send you the DS-2019 form. All exchange visitors must be registered in SEVIS. If your spouse and/or minor children will live in the United States with you, they will each receive a separate DS-2019 form.
- Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002 – J-1 visa applicants participating in Trainee and Intern categories also need the DS-7002 form. (See Box 7 on Form DS-2019). Learn more about the Trainee and Intern programs.
More Additional Documentation May Be Required
- The purpose of your travel;
- Your intent to depart the United States after your travel;
- Your ability to pay all travel costs;
- Other documents, as required.
Attend Your Visa Interview
A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive an exchange visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.
Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this is required.
After your visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable). You will also need to make arrangements for your passport and visa to be returned to you.