J1 visa in the United States
Nowadays, both educational and work exchange programs in the USA are gaining more popularity. This is not surprising, as by participating in one of these programs, you can work for a period in a foreign company or study at a prestigious university. In any case, invaluable experience and a wealth of vivid impressions are guaranteed. You will not only be able to explore the country’s amazing sights and cultural heritage but also make new acquaintances and improve your English. However, before you start packing your suitcase, you need to take care of obtaining entry permission.
In this situation, a J-1 visa to the USA is ideal. The duration of stay in the USA on a J-1 visa depends on the specific program for which the visa was obtained. In some cases, a J-1 visa can be extended. More precise terms of stay are determined by the DS-2019 form.
When applying for a visa, it is important to remember that a properly assembled document package and understanding all the circumstances of your situation significantly increase the chances of obtaining it; otherwise, even the slightest mistake can cost you a positive result. To prevent unforeseen difficulties, we recommend enlisting the help of experienced visa specialists.
Features of Applying for an Exchange Visa to the USA
The J visa for exchange program participants is intended to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and skills among professionals in the fields of education, culture, and science. The following categories of individuals can participate in exchange programs:
- students of any year of study;
- interns undergoing on-the-job training in organizations, institutions, and government bodies;
- teachers of elementary, secondary, and specialized schools; professors entering the USA for teaching and research activities in higher education institutions;
- research scholars;
- certified specialists undergoing training in medical and related fields;
- foreign nationals entering the USA for tourism, observation, consultation, research, study, exchange of experience, or demonstration of special knowledge and skills.
More details can be found here: www.ustraveldocs.com/ua_ru/ua-niv-visafeeinfo.asp
A cultural exchange visa is also required for participation in the Work and Travel program, which is very popular among young people. To travel to America under this program, you must meet the following criteria:
- age between 18 and 23 years;
- full-time student status at an educational institution;
- basic proficiency in English;
- willingness to live independently for 2.5-4 months.
This program allows young people to experience independent living while working abroad. Similar programs are available for adults.
Many are interested in how to obtain a J-1 visa to the USA and how it differs from other types. The process of obtaining this category of visa has some features. First, you need to apply and be accepted into an exchange program through a designated sponsor organization in the United States. After your application is approved, your information will be entered into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Then, if the exchange program is not sponsored by the U.S. Government, you need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of $220. After this, the sponsor organization will issue you a DS-2019 form necessary for obtaining the visa.
More details can be found here:
- www.ustraveldocs.com/ua_ru/ua-niv-visafeeinfo.asp
- travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html
The DS-2019 form identifies the exchange program participant and their designated sponsor and provides a brief description of the program, including its start and end dates, exchange category, and estimated cost.
More details can be found here: j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/about-ds-2019/
You should only start the J-1 visa application process after receiving the DS-2019 form. The subsequent visa application process is standard:
- gathering the necessary document package;
- completing the DS-160 electronic application form;
- paying the consular fee;
- scheduling an interview;
- successfully passing the interview and submitting biometric data.
Along with the J-1 visa holder, a spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old can accompany them to the United States, for whom a J-2 visa is provided. Each applicant for this category of visa must also obtain a separate DS-2019 form. J-2 visa holders can obtain work authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
If the spouse or children do not intend to reside with the J-1 visa holder in the USA but wish to visit them, they can apply for a B-2 visitor visa.
More details can be found here:
- www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/exchange-visitors
- www.ustraveldocs.com/ua_ru/ua-niv-typej.asp
Required Documents
To approve the visa, the following documents must be provided:
- a printed form confirming the submission of the DS-160 application for review.
- a passport with at least one blank page, valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip;
- one color photograph measuring 5×5 cm, taken within the last 6 months;
- a printed confirmation of the date and time of the scheduled interview;
- a receipt for the payment of the consular fee of $160;
- an approved DS-2019 form provided by the program administration in the USA;
- a receipt for the payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee of $220;
- a certificate from the university confirming the current student status and level of academic preparation, diplomas, school certificate, or a certificate from the place of work (depending on the program);
- proof of medical insurance (not mandatory but may be required by the university or sponsor organization);
- proof of sufficient financial resources (a bank statement showing the current account status and movement of personal funds over the last 6 months in original);
- documents confirming ownership of movable and immovable property in Ukraine;
- marriage certificates, birth certificates of children.
Depending on the chosen program, other documents and forms may be required. For example, those planning to undergo an internship or practical training need the DS-7002 “Training/Internship Placement Plan” form.
In any case, preference should be given to originals.
More details can be found here:
- www.ustraveldocs.com/ua_ru/ua-niv-typej.asp
- travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html
Advantages of Working with Our Company
To obtain a visa to the United States of America, you will need a lot of time, desire, and patience. If you do not want to spend your free time in long lines and paperwork, our company will gladly relieve you of them. By contacting us, you will receive:
- speed and clarity in completing assigned tasks;
- saving your personal time and effort;
- excellent service and an individual approach to each client;
- an affordable pricing policy, taking into account different income levels of consumers.
More detailed information about the company, its services, and obtaining a visa can be found by scheduling a consultation with our specialists.
Processing Times and Cost of a Visa to the USA
An American J1 visa, like any other, is processed within 2-3 weeks. The document collection process takes from 2 to 7 days, and the remaining time is spent on processing your application at the country’s embassy and making a decision by its staff. The cost of the desired stamp in the passport depends on the complexity of your case and the level of necessary visa support, as well as the program you intend to participate in.
To save time and money, we recommend seeking help from visa specialists. Our company’s staff will gladly point you to the shortest path to a positive result!
Examples of Recent Visas to the USA Obtained Through the Vizaus Visa Center

Obtained January 30, 2017

Obtained March 1, 2016

Obtained January 24, 2017

Obtained January 24, 2017
Video Guide to Obtaining a Visa to the USA
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