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Who should I contact if I have concerns about the health or safety of a participant?
The State Department has activated a helpline to ensure the health and safety of all exchange participants. Participants, or anyone concerned about a participant, can contact the State Department at any time via the hotline 1-866-283-9090 or at jvisas@state.gov
Among other prohibitions, no sponsor may threaten program termination, or otherwise retaliate against a participant solely because he or she has instituted a complaint or taken action to gain assistance from an outside entity regarding a complaint.
Can I apply for an extension?
Yes, your program sponsor may extend your program up to its maximum length. If an extension is granted, a new Form DS-2019 will be issued to you reflecting the change.
How long does it take to obtain a Exchange Visitor Visa?
The wait time for an interview and processing for a Exchange Visitor Visa varies from country to country and is based on your individual circumstances. Learn more about interview wait and processing times by visiting www.travel.state.gov. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Please note that exchange visitors beginning new programs may not enter the United States more than 30 days before their program start date.
What is the purpose of the exchange visitor program?
The Exchange Visitor Program fosters global understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. All exchange visitors are expected to return to their home country upon completion of their program in order to share their exchange experiences.
Where do I apply for an exchange visitor visa?
Once you obtain a Form DS-2019 from a Sponsor, you may apply for an exchange visitor visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Also, if you are married, your spouse and any children can apply for an exchange visitor (J-2) visa when you apply, or join you after you are in the United States if the exchange category in which you are participating permits an accompanying spouse and/or dependents (i.e. regulations prohibit an accompanying spouse in the categories of Camp Counselor, Summer Work Travel, Au pair and Secondary School Student). In some cases an individual sponsor’s program will not permit a spouse or dependents to accompany their participants. If you are married and/or have dependents who you wish to bring to the United States with you, inquire about this issue when seeking a sponsor.
Can I participate in another Exchange Visitor program after finishing my current program?
Your current Exchange Visitor Visa is ONLY applicable for your current exchange program and under your current program sponsor. Upon completion of your current Exchange Visitor Program, you are expected to depart the United States.
If you intend to pursue a 2nd exchange program (in a different category and with a different sponsor), you will need to apply for a new Exchange Visitor Visa for your new exchange program and new sponsor – in order to reenter the U.S. for the 2nd program.
How long before my Exchange Visitor Program starts can I arrive in the United States? How long can I remain after my program ends?
You may not arrive more than 30 days before the program start date shown on your DS-2019. Upon completion of your exchange program, you have a grace period of 30 days to depart the United States.
My visa has expired during the program. What do I do?
If your visa has expired and you do not plan to travel outside of the U.S., you do not need to renew the visa.
Please be aware that if you travel outside of the United States during your current exchange visitor program and after your J-1 visa has expired, you must apply for a new J-1 visa in your home country in order to re-enter the United States to continue your program.
Your sponsor is responsible for assisting and advising you on all matters relating to your J-1 program, including authorizing travel outside of the U.S. and ensuring that your J-1 non-immigrant documents are valid at all times.
What will happen to my Exchange Visitor Visa status if my exchange visitor program sponsor terminates my exchange visitor program?
If your sponsor terminates your participation in their exchange program for just cause, the sponsor will enter this information into SEVIS and you will be expected to depart the United States immediately. You will not be entitled to the post-completion 30-day period because you did not successfully complete your program.
Are there regulations, which govern the Exchange Visitor Program ?
Yes, the regulations are set forth at Code of Federal Regulations, Title 22: Foreign Relations, Part 62.
What documents are needed to apply for an Exchange Visitor Visa?
Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) issued by your program sponsor
Other supporting documents – check the specific embassy or consulate website
Passport valid for travel to the United States
Completed Online Form DS-160, nonimmigrant visa application
Fee receipt showing payment of the $xxx visa application fee
2×2 photograph, meeting format requirements
For more information about Exchange Visitor Visas, please see the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ exchange visitor visa website. For detailed information about how to make a visa interview appointment at an embassy or consulate, how to pay the application processing fee and more, go to the visa information on the U.S. embassy or consulate website where you will apply for your visa.
