Non-Immigrant Visas
Exchange Visas (J)
The United States government and many private organizations sponsor a wide variety of exchange programs. These include academic and cultural exchanges, as well as au pair programs and summer work and travel programs. Applications for J-1 Exchange Visitor visas must be accompanied by the Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for NIV Exchange Visitor) which is provided by the sponsoring U.S. organization. With few exceptions, the consular officer will require that the applicant sign the DS-2019 prior to visa issuance. J-1 visa applicants must also complete form DS-158 and submit it with the visa application.
Summer Work & Travel Program for students.
Persons applying for exchange visas must pay the SEVIS fee before their interview date. Please review the SEVIS Fact Sheet for more information.
For more information on Student and Exchange programs, please see review Studying in the US on the U.S. Department of State website.
Validity: The expiration date of the DS-2019 form (usually the program end date).