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Office of International Services

Acquiring your J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

A J-1 visa is a stamp in your passport that allows you to enter the United States along with valid DS-2019 and I-94 documentation. The expiration date on your J-1 visa is the date until you are permitted to enter or re-enter the U.S. using that stamp.

 *Canadians do not have to apply for a visa but must still pay the SEVIS fee and enter the U.S. on J-1 status.

Effective January 1, 2026, the following countries are subject to a travel ban.

Full ban where entry is suspended for immigrants and all nonimmigrants: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Palestinian Authority Travel Documents, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

Partial ban where entry is suspended for non-immigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote d ‘Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Please refer to the U.S. government website for full details.

Two-Year Home Residency Requirement or 212(e)

The Two-Year Home Residency Requirement is often referred to as the 212(e). Only the U.S. Department of State can determine if a J-1 and/or J-2 are subject to 212(e). If subject, a J-visa holder will have to physically reside within their last country of legal permanent residence for two years before they may return to the U.S. as an H-1B visa holder, L visa holder, K visa holder, or Permanent Resident. If subject, J-visitors are unable to apply for a change of status within the U.S. Being "subject" to this regulation does not prevent a visitor from returning to the U.S. in another visa status, such as F-1 (student), B1/B2 (tourist/business), or under the visa waiver program. 

There are three reasons a J-1 visitor may be subject to the 212(e): 

  • The J-1 program is funded in part or wholly by the United States government, the visitor's government, or an international organization.
  • The J-1 program is engaged in one or more of the skills listed on the Exchange Visitor Skills List for their country.
  • The J-1 visa holder is receiving graduate medical education or training.

For more information on the J-1 two-year requirement, visit the Department of State website. 

Steps to Acquire your J-1 Student Visa

  • To qualify for J-1 status, individuals must be enrolled in full-time academic programs and receive substantial financial support (at least 51%) from the U.S. government, their home country's government, or a public/private organization
  • Additionally, they must maintain health insurance that meets J-1 Regulations, with Jefferson's Student Health Insurance Plan being compliant
  • Degree students can stay for the duration of their academic program, while those in contracted non-degree programs have a maximum stay of 24 months, including any academic training

Once your enrollment is confirmed, you will receive an invitation to the International Services Portal to provide the required documents for Form DS-2019. Once the required documents are received, OIS will process the DS-2019 within two (2) weeks. 

To simplify the visa process, we have outlined the key steps involved: 

  • Receive the Form DS-2019 from Jefferson. 

  • Pay the SEVIS fee and obtain the payment receipt. 

  • Complete the online visa application form (DS-160). 

  • Schedule and attend a visa interview at the US consulate or embassy. 

  • Prepare and provide the required documentation during the interview. 

  • Wait for the visa processing to be completed and receive your passport with the J-1 visa.  

  • Book a flight to the U.S. to travel up to 30 days before your program start date.

**If you are a Canadian citizen, you do not require a J-1 visa, but you must still pay the SEVIS fee and prove non-immigrant intent at the border.

Once your enrollment is confirmed, you will work closely with the Office of International Services to provide the information needed to issue you a DS-2019. A part of this information is providing financial proof. Your proof of finances must cover the entire duration of your program. Acceptable documents include:

  • A letter from the sponsoring institution (must be at least 51%).
  • If you also have personal or family funds:
    • Copies of bank statements (within 3 months) and/or a scholarship award letter. If submitting a bank letter on letterhead, the letter must be in English; or accompanied by a certified translation.
    • Liquid assets (easily cashed - i.e., money market account, certificate of deposit, etc.) available to you for at least your first year of study at Jefferson (value of jewelry or other non-liquid, non-renewable assets cannot be counted as appropriate sources of funding).
Required Documents for the Visa Interview:
  • A passport valid for at least six (6) months
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
  • A receipt for the visa application fee, if you are required to pay before your interview
  • A photo meeting the requirements, if your photo upload fails while completing the online Form DS-160
  • Form DS-2019, signed and dated by you
  • If applicable, Form DS-2019 for any dependent(s) that wish to join you
  • Any other information listed on the U.S. Consulate's website
Additional Documentation Recommended for the Visa Interview:
  • Program acceptance letter
  • SEVIS fee payment receipt
  • Financial evidence that shows you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the entire period you intend to study (ex., letter of award or scholarship, bank statement, proof of income, deposits in a U.S. bank)
  • Information that proves that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the U.S.  This may include proof of property, family, or other ties to your community.
  • If applicable, marriage and birth certificates for dependents (spouse or any children). Form DS-2019 is required for any dependent who wishes to join you.

We understand that managing finances is crucial for international students. When applying for a J-1 visa, there are certain costs and immigration fees to consider, including:

  • SEVIS fee must be paid before your visa appointment $350.
  • Visa application fee: The amount varies by country and visa type. See the U.S. Consulate Website for more details.

J-1 students and any family members accompanying in J-2 status are required to have insurance that complies with the U.S. Department of State for the entire duration of their program. Criteria for insurance include:

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness*
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
  • A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

Most J-1 students enroll themselves in Jefferson’s Student Health Insurance Plan. This plan meets the requirements of the regulations.

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