What is the purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 visa program)?
The Exchange Visitor Program is carried out pursuant to the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended.  Its purpose is to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges.  All exchanges visitors are expected to return to their home country upon completion of their program in order to share their exchange experiences with people in their home country.

 

How can I participate in the Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 visa program)?

You need to be sponsored by one of the State Department's designated sponsors authorized to conduct exchange visitor programs in the United States.  The special J-1 exchange visitor visa is the visa used by all foreign participants in the Exchange Visitor Program. 

 

The program sponsors are responsible for screening and selecting eligible foreign nationals for participation in the Exchange Visitor Program, as well as supporting and monitoring them during their exchange program in the United States. 

 

What is the Form DS-2019?

The Form DS-2019 is the “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status”.  The Form DS-2019 is a controlled document which only State Department-designated sponsors are authorized to issue to foreign nationals (prospective exchange visitors) they have screened and selected for participation in their State Department-designated exchange visitor program.   Foreign nationals (prospective exchange visitors) then apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate for the J-1 exchange visitor visa to participate in their prospective sponsor’s exchange visitor program.  Issuance of the J-1 visa, like all non-immigrant visas, is at the discretion of Consular Officers viewing visa applications at U.S. embassies and consulates.

 

What is the visa interview like?

Once the exchange visitor receives the Form DS 2019 from the sponsor, they must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and make a visa appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest their home.   At the visa appointment, the consular officer will determine whether the potential exchange visitor qualifies for the visa.  Applicants must demonstrate that they properly meet the requirements to be issued an exchange visitor visa, including the following:

 

• That they plan to remain in the United States for a temporary, specific, limited period;

• Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States;

• Evidence of compelling social and economic ties to their home country.

 

Which documents are most important for the exchange visitor?

The critical documents that each exchange visitor must protect for the duration of their stay in the United States are:

 

• All Forms DS 2019 issued

• Passport

• Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (small white card stapled in passport by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry)

 

It is the responsibility of the Responsible Officer (RO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) to make sure the exchange visitor understands what each of these documents signifies.  Exchange visitors should be advised to keep a copy of their Form DS 2019 even beyond the end of their program in case it is needed at some future point.

 

How does an exchange visitor “Maintain Program Status”?

Exchange visitors are admitted to the United States for a specific period of time to engage in a particular program (activity), as described on their Form DS 2019.  Exchange visitors must maintain lawful (J-1) program status, as failure to do so can have serious long-term consequences.

 

Key Reminders:

 

Exchange visitors must know the expiration date of their program (the end date in section 3 of the DS 2019 Form) and the expected departure date.   If regulations permit and the Exchange visitors J-1 program is extended, the sponsor must use SEVIS to change the end date on the Form DS 2019 prior to the expiration date of the original Form, reprint the Form, sign it in blue ink and give it to the exchange visitor. 

• When traveling outside the United States, exchange visitors must first obtain a “travel signature” on the Form DS 2019 to facilitate re-entry.  Exchange visitors should be reminded to retain all copies of Form DS-2019 with their immigration papers.

• Exchange visitors must never accept unauthorized employment.

• Exchange visitors must comply with the Department of State's health insurance requirements for J-1 visa holders and their families. Willful disregard of this requirement will result in termination of the J-1 program.

• Exchange visitors must keep their passports valid. Passports can be renewed by foreign embassies in Washington D.C. and foreign consulates in other cities.

 

Who should I contact about a problem I am having regarding my J-1 exchange visitor program?

You should contact your J-1 program sponsor.  Your sponsor is responsible for assisting and advising you on all matters regarding your J-1 exchange visitor program.

 

Who should I contact about a problem I have with my Form DS-2019?

You should contact your J-1 program sponsor.  Your sponsor is responsible for assisting and advising you on all matters regarding your J-1 exchange visitor program.

 

Who should I contact about a problem I have with my J-1 visa?

You should contact your J-1 program sponsor.  Your sponsor is responsible for assisting and advising you on all matters regarding your J-1 exchange visitor program.

 

Who should I contact regarding my SEVIS registration?

You should contact your J-1 program sponsor.  Your sponsor is responsible for assisting and advising you on all matters regarding your J-1 exchange visitor program.

 

Who should I contact about traveling outside of the United States during my J-1 exchange visitor program?

You need to contact your J-1 program sponsor regarding your travel plans.  Your sponsor must authorize your travel prior to your departure from the United States.

 

How long can I remain in the United States after my J-1 exchange visitor program ends?

Two 30 day periods govern an exchange visitor’s authorized stay in the United States.  The first 30-day period occurs before an exchange visitor’s program begin/start date stated on the exchange visitor’s Form DS-2019.  The second 30-day period occurs after the exchange visitor’s successful completion of the program end date stated on his/her Form DS-2019.  Both periods relate to non-immigrant visa holders’ immigration status in the United States. 

 

What will happen to my J-1 visa status if I withdraw from my exchange visitor program?

If you plan to withdraw from your program you must notify your program sponsor.  If you withdraw, your program sponsor will enter this information into SEVIS and you will be expected to depart the United States immediately.  You will not be entitled to the post-completion 30 day period because you did not successfully complete your program.

 

What will happen to my J-1 visa status if my exchange visitor program sponsor terminates my exchange visitor program?

If your sponsor terminates you for just cause, they will enter this information into SEVIS and you will be expected to depart the United States immediately.  You will not be entitled to the post-completion 30 day period because you did not successfully complete your program

 

What is SEVIS?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), that requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collect current information, on an ongoing basis, from DHS-certified schools and Department of State (DoS)-designated exchange visitor program sponsors relating to nonimmigrant foreign students (F and M visas) and exchange visitors (J-visa) and their dependents during the course of their stay in the United States.

 

SEVIS is an Internet-based system that provides tracking and monitoring functionality, with access to current information on nonimmigrant students (F and M visa) and exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit electronic information and event notifications, via the Internet, to the DHS and DoS throughout a student's or exchange visitor's stay in the United States. SEVIS is updated with changes or status events for students and exchange visitors including, but not limited to, entry/exit data, changes of current United States address (residence), program extensions, employment notifications, and changes in program of study. SEVIS will also provide system alerts, event notifications, and reports to the end-user schools and programs, as well as for DHS and DoS offices.