The J-Exchange Visitor Program is a broad program that encompasses several specific categories for educational and cultural exchange. The most familiar program concerns university students. However, there are several other programs including teachers, professors, international visitors, camp counselors, foreign national physicians, government visitors, summer travel/work and au pair. This is the most complex student classification which permits students with limited financial resources to participate in a program which, as of October 1, 1999, will be administered by the Department of State.

Who May Apply

The J-1 Visa is issued to foreign exchange visitors such as students, scholars, medical interns, and business trainees. The Visa may be subject to a two year home residence requirement at the completion of the visa holder's respective program. The home residence requirement requires the visa holder to return home for 24 months before seeking another visa status in the United States.

Requirement to Return Home

If the funding comes from the student's home country or the United States there is usually a requirement that the student return home after graduation and practice the newly-acquired skills for two years. This requirement is especially applicable to medical students. The purpose of the J-1 Foreign Exchange Visitor Visa is to allow foreign exchange visitors, students, scholars, medical interns, business trainees, to participate in United States government approved programs to gain experience in their respective fields.