J-1 Visa
J-1 exchange visitor visa categories — au pair, intern, trainee, teacher, research scholar, and summer work travel. Covers two-year home residency requirement, waivers, and sponsor organization rules.
Top questions about J-1 Visa
Answers from VisaVerge guidesHow did the U.S. government handle F-1 and J-1 visa applications for citizens of certain countries starting in July 2025?
Starting in July 2025, F-1 and J-1 visas for citizens of over 20 countries became valid for only three months with single entry, making quick trips home risky.
Read: Policy Shifts Spark Fear, Yet International Students Drive MBA FuturesAre there any confirmed changes to J-1 visa policies in November 2025?
No, there is no sign of any fresh policy targeting J-1 visas in November 2025 according to immigration lawyers.
Read: No Confirmed J-1 Crackdown Under Trump Policies in November 2025How have recent changes impacted the J-1 visa process?
Recent changes include increased document scrutiny and new barriers for international professionals seeking U.S. training, particularly affecting countries removed from the Exchange Visitor Skills List.
Read: J-1 visa issue puts Hematology/Oncology fellowship at risk for doctorWhat are some key elements of the DHS's draft rule regarding F-1 and J-1 visa limits?
Key elements include a fixed four-year limit, an extension requirement for USCIS, shorter grace periods, and restrictions on flexibility for F-1 students.
Read: BU Expands Opposition to DHS Four-Year Visa Limit ProposalAre there any changes to F, J, or I visas under the 2025 Visa Bond Pilot Program?
No Federal Stay Cap for F, J, I Visas Yet, 2025 Update states that the pilot program does not affect these visa categories.
Read: No Federal Stay Cap for F, J, I Visas Yet, 2025 Update
Trump Proposes Major US Student Visa Reforms for F-1, J-1, M-1
A DHS draft would end Duration of Status for F-1, J-1, and M-1 students, impose fixed admissions (up to four years), shorten F-1 grace periods to 30 days, and require…
No Confirmed J-1 Crackdown Under Trump Policies in November 2025
Despite widespread November 2025 rumors, no official U.S. policy has newly targeted J-1 Exchange Visitor Visas. Existing vetting…
J-1 Waivers During a Government Shutdown: IGA, Hardship, No Objection
USCIS will keep processing fee-funded I-612 J-1 waiver applications during a funding lapse, but delays may occur when…
Can J-1 Academic Training Be Authorized During a Government Shutdown?
Academic Training for J-1 students continues during shutdowns because RO/ARO approvals are school-managed and SEVIS remains fee-funded. Students…
Do J-1 Visa Stamp Appointments Cancel During a U.S. Shutdown?
J-1 visa stamp appointments continue during the 2025 shutdown because consular services are fee-funded. Valid J-1 stamps allow…
J-1 DS-2019 Issuance by Sponsors Continues in Shutdown
During a shutdown, sponsoring organizations keep issuing DS-2019s and SEVIS stays active; USCIS processes fee-funded cases including J-2…
DHS Proposes Fixed Admission Period for F-1, J-1, I Visas
DHS proposed ending D/S for F-1, J-1, and I visa holders, replacing it with fixed admission through the…
Understanding J-1 Waiver Attorney Fees and Payment Options in 2025
J-1 waivers require a DOS recommendation (Form DS-3035) and a USCIS decision. Expect attorney fees of $2,800–$5,000+, DOS…
J-1 Waiver Costs: Attorney Fees and Government Fees Explained
In 2025, J-1 waiver costs usually fall between $1,500 and $7,000+, combining attorney fees ($1,200–$5,000+) and government filing…
U.S. Proposes Fixed Admission Periods for F-1, J-1, I Visas
DHS’s 2025 proposal would replace Duration of Status with fixed admission periods: F-1/J-1 up to four years and…