J-1 Exchange Visitor Checklist
Student, researcher, intern, au pair, or professor exchange programs
Overall Progress
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$220
SEVIS Fee
Form I-901 (students)
$185
MRV Visa Fee
US embassy fee
Check!
2-Year Bar
may require home return
From sponsor
DS-2019
required before applying
Phase 1: Find a J-1 Program & Sponsor
You must have a USIA-designated sponsor organization before applying
You cannot apply for a J-1 visa without a DS-2019 form from a designated J-1 sponsor. Get this first.
Identify your J-1 program category: student, research scholar, intern, professor, short-term scholar, au pair, etc.
ActionFind and apply to a USIA-designated J-1 sponsor organization
ActionReceive acceptance and DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status)
DocumentDS-2019 is issued by your sponsor, not USCIS or DOS
Confirm your program start and end dates, SEVIS ID on DS-2019
ActionPhase 2: Pay SEVIS Fee (Form I-901)
Must be paid before scheduling visa appointment
Pay SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com: $220 (students/exchange visitors) or $35 (au pairs/other programs)
FeeSave Form I-901 payment receipt — you will need this at the embassy
DocumentPay fee at least 3 business days before visa interview
ActionPhase 3: Visa Application & Embassy Interview
Apply at US Embassy or Consulate in your home country
Complete DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application
FormPay MRV visa fee: $185 (at bank or online)
FeeSchedule visa interview at nearest US Embassy or Consulate
ActionGather all required documents for interview
ActionAttend visa interview — be prepared to explain your program and intent to return home
ActionReceive J-1 visa stamp in passport
DocumentPhase 4: Documents for Embassy Interview
Bring originals and copies of everything
DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) from your sponsor
DocumentPassport (valid at least 6 months beyond program end date)
DocumentForm I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt
DocumentDS-160 confirmation page (barcode page)
DocumentVisa fee payment receipt
DocumentProgram acceptance letter or offer from sponsor/host institution
DocumentFinancial proof: bank statements, sponsor financial guarantee, or scholarship letter
DocumentMust show enough funds for entire program duration
Proof of ties to home country (family, job offer after program, property)
DocumentResume / CV (for research scholars, professors)
DocumentOne passport-style photo
DocumentPhase 5: Two-Year Home Residency Requirement
Critical to understand BEFORE starting J-1 — affects future visa options
The 2-year bar is NOT automatic for all J-1 holders. Check whether you are subject to it before starting any future visa applications.
Check your DS-2019 for '212(e)' notation — if present, you are subject to the 2-year rule
ActionYou are subject if: program was government-funded, your skills are on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, or your home country requested you return
ActionIf subject to 212(e): you cannot get H/L/immigrant visa until you return home for 2 years OR get a waiver
ActionWaiver options: no objection statement from home government, hardship to US citizen spouse/child, IGA waiver, persecution fear, or interested government agency
ActionFile DS-3035 for J-1 waiver at travel.state.gov if applicable
FormPhase 6: Arriving in the US
Important steps after you enter
Enter the US no earlier than 30 days before your program start date
ActionPrint your I-94 after entry at cbp.dhs.gov — check it shows 'D/S' (Duration of Status)
DocumentReport to your sponsor/program within required timeframe (usually within 30 days)
ActionConfirm your SEVIS record is active with your sponsor
ActionGet your DS-2019 travel signature updated before traveling outside the US (valid 6 months)
Document