Also known as: J-1 exchange visitor visa, exchange visitor visa
Definition
A nonimmigrant visa for exchange visitors participating in approved programs including research, teaching, medical training, au pair, and cultural exchange.
The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa category for individuals participating in exchange visitor programs designated by the U.S. Department of State. Categories include research scholars, professors, short-term scholars, trainees, interns, au pairs, camp counselors, and participants in graduate medical education.
Some J-1 visa holders are subject to the two-year home residency requirement under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This requirement applies if the exchange program was government-funded, the visitor's field of study appears on their home country's Skills List, or the visitor participated in graduate medical education or training.
J-1 holders subject to the two-year requirement cannot change to most other visa statuses, adjust status to permanent residence, or obtain certain other immigration benefits until they either fulfill the requirement by returning home for two years or obtain a waiver. The waiver can be granted on four bases: no-objection statement, exceptional hardship, persecution, or an interested government agency request.
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