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Study visas

US Exchange visitor visa (J)

For people approved to take part in exchange visitor programs in the US. A visitor visa or the Visa Waiver Program cannot be used for exchange programmes.

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Important information

J-1 requirements and durations vary by program category, and most participants cannot enter the US more than 30 days before their program starts.
On this page
Route type
Nonimmigrant exchange visitor visa
Purpose
Approved cultural/educational exchange
Before you apply
Acceptance + Form DS-2019 from a designated sponsor
Note
Some categories carry a 2-year home-residence requirement

Who is this for?

  • Au pairs, camp counsellors and summer work-travel students
  • College/university students, interns and trainees
  • Teachers, professors, research scholars and short-term scholars
  • Physicians, specialists and government/international visitors

Requirements

  • You are accepted onto a Department of State–approved exchange program with a designated sponsor
  • You meet the specific criteria for your program category
  • You have sufficient English-language ability for your program
  • You hold adequate medical insurance meeting the program rules

What you can do

  • Take part in the approved exchange visitor program named in your application

Frequently asked questions

  • Some J-1 participants must return to their home country for at least two years at the end of their program before they can apply for certain other visas or a green card, unless they obtain a waiver. Whether it applies depends on your program and funding.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-20. Information only — not legal advice.

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