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
Michigan Conrad-30 and HHS Waivers for J-1 Physicians (2025-2026)
Michigan’s Conrad-30 (30-slot cap) opens Sept. 2025–Nov. 2025; both it and the year-round HHS Clinical-Care Waiver require three-year, full-time service in HPSA/MUA/MUP sites and follow a Department of State then…
Russia Rolls Out Fully Domestic SJ-100, Completes Maiden Flight in April 2025
The fully domestic SJ-100 (airframe 97003) flew its 40-minute maiden flight on April 23, 2025, testing PD-8 engines…
Explained: What Is the J-1 Visa and Harvard’s Federal Scrutiny?
Harvard’s 2025 suspension from sponsoring J-1 visas follows federal allegations about security, foreign ties, and reporting failures. With…
Why the US Is Targeting Harvard’s J-1 Visa Program in Political Tensions
Harvard’s J-1 visa program came under US government investigation in July 2025, following SEVP certification revocation in May.…
5 Essential Tips for Transferring from J-1 to H-1B Visa Status
To change from J-1 to H-1B visa, confirm if the two-year residency applies or obtain a waiver, find…
8 Essential Documents Required for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
To obtain a J-1 visa, applicants must secure Form DS-2019, submit required documents, complete DS-160 and SEVIS fee…
US Revives Trump-Era Plan to Limit F-1 and J-1 Visa Durations
The U.S. proposes fixed two- or four-year limits for F-1 and J-1 visas from mid-2025, requiring extensions for…
J-1 Visa Holder denied boarding by Customs and Border Protection
A J-1 Visa Holder was denied boarding by CBP without clear reason, raising concerns over U.S. immigration transparency.…
J-1 Research Scholar visa offers employers a new alternative to H-1B
The J-1 Research Scholar and H-1B visas serve different academic and research needs. J-1 is best for temporary…
CommuteAir to operate Embraer ERJ-145 flights for United Airlines until 2029
CommuteAir renews its exclusive United Express contract for Embraer ERJ-145 flights through 2028, bolstering job security, higher pay…