A. Programs

The J exchange visitor must be entering the United States to take part in a program that has been designated by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and meets the DOS regulatory requirements stated in 22 CFR 62. The designated exchange visitor program categories are:

1. Professors and research scholars;

2. Short-term scholars;

3. Trainees and interns;

4. College and university students;

5. Teachers;

6. Secondary school students;

7. Specialists;

8. Physicians;

9. International visitors;

10. Government visitors;

11. Camp counselors;

12. Au pairs; and

13. Summer work travel.^[1]

B. General Criteria

While each program has specific requirements, J-1 exchange visitors are required to:

1. Have been accepted in a DOS-approved exchange visitor program before applying for a visa^[2] or applying for a change of status to J-1 while in the United States;

2. Have sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the United States;^[3]

3. Have sufficient knowledge of English to be able to participate effectively in the exchange visitor program;^[4] and

4. Have a residence abroad which they do not intend to abandon.^[5]

Footnotes

[^ 1] See 22 CFR 62, Subpart B.

[^ 2] See 9 FAM 402.5-6(C), Qualifying for an Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1). DOS is responsible for visa processing. See 22 CFR 41.62(a)(1).

[^ 3] Exchange visitors must maintain sufficient medical insurance for accident or illness for themselves and their dependent family members in a minimum amount of $50,000 per accident or illness. See 22 CFR 62.14.

[^ 4] See 22 CFR 41.62(a)(3).

[^ 5] See INA 101(a)(15)(J).