What is a J-1 visa, and who is it for?
The J-1 is a U.S. exchange visitor visa that lets international students and professionals complete a structured training or internship program with a U.S. host company. It requires sponsorship from a U.S. Department of State–designated sponsor, who issues the DS-2019 form needed to apply.
What's the difference between the J-1 Intern and J-1 Trainee categories?
The Intern category is for current students or recent graduates (within 12 months of graduation) and allows up to 12 months in the U.S. The Trainee category is for professionals with relevant work experience and allows up to 18 months (or up to 12 months for hospitality training).
How much does J-1 visa sponsorship cost?
Our sponsorship fee is $1,995, plus mandatory health insurance of about $99/month for the duration of the program. On top of that, expect the $220 SEVIS fee and the $185 DS-160 visa application fee, both paid directly to the U.S. government. See our Fees page for a full breakdown.
How long does the process take?
Once a participant and host company are matched and all documents are submitted, our processing takes about 15 business days to issue the DS-2019. From there, scheduling and attending your visa interview depends on embassy/consulate wait times in your country.
Do I need to already have a host company lined up?
Yes — the J-1 Intern/Trainee program requires a confirmed U.S. host company before we can begin sponsorship. If you don't have one yet, our candidate network and job search resources can help you find a match.
Can my spouse or children come with me?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can join you on a J-2 dependent visa. J-2 dependents can also apply for their own work authorization (EAD) once in the U.S. Dependent processing and insurance are priced separately — contact us for a quote.
Can I switch from a J-1 to another visa, like H-1B, afterward?
In many cases, yes, though it depends on your specific J-1 category and whether the two-year home residency requirement applies to you (see below). Switching status typically requires working with an immigration attorney.
What is the two-year home residency requirement (Section 212(e))?
Some J-1 participants — for example, those who received government funding or whose skills are on their home country's official shortage list — must return home for two years before applying for certain other U.S. visas or a green card. Not everyone is subject to it; check our Section 212(e) page or ask us to review your case.
How do I get started?
Start with our free eligibility check — it takes under a minute and tells you which programs you likely qualify for. From there, our team will walk you through matching with a host company (if needed) and the full sponsorship process.