Student and Exchange Visitor Visas

International Exchange Visitors - J Visas

J-1 visas are for international exchange visitors to the United States. These visitors may be academics, students, scientists, or businesspeople. They may be visiting the U.S. under the sponsorship of, or funded by, individual universities, private companies, the U.S. government, or their own government.

The organization sponsoring an exchange visitor must be granted authority by the Department of State to issue a Form DS-2019 to prospective J-1 applicants. Issuance of a Form DS-2019 to a prospective exchange visitor does not guarantee issuance of a visa to attend the program.

"J-1 and J-2 visas to exchange visitors may be processed at any time before the beginning of their programs.

However, the visitor may not enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the initial program start date.  Applicants continuing on an exchange visitors program are not subject to this restriction."

To learn more about exchange visitor programs, select Exchange Visitor to visit the Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs website. Each program has specific information and program requirements.

Applicants for Exchange Visitor (J-1) visas should include with their application:

• All the documents required for any non-immigrant visa, plus
• All pages of your Form DS-2019 in original (no copies will be accepted), issued only by the sponsoring organization in the U.S. Please ensure that all questions are answered; if the form is incomplete, we may not be able to accept your application. Please be sure to sign it. (Spouses and/or children may accompany an exchange visitor and qualify for J-2 visas, if dependents are included on the DS-2019. Please check the upper right hand corner of your DS-2019 to be sure your family members are included).
• Marksheets/Transcripts and Certificates/Diplomas from previous institutions attended.
• Financial evidence showing you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. If you are funding the exchange visit out of personal funds, original bankbooks and the like are the clearest evidence of adequate funds. If you are being funded by an organization (either in India or America), a letter from that organization explaining what funding will be supplied will help us process your case fastest.
• I-901 fee receipt as proof of payment of SEVIS fee. (Visa cannot be issued until your SEVIS fee has been paid.)

Exchange Visitor Dependent Visa - J-2

Applicants for J-2 visas should submit:

• All the documents required for any non-immigrant visa, plus
• Photocopy or the original J-1's passport - all 36 pages. If a copy of the passport is submitted, it must be clear and the photo must be easily identifiable.
• We may request additional documents if the principal has been in the U.S. for some time, including information showing that the principal is still engaged in his/her J-1 research.
• Financial documents showing that sufficient funding is available to support both the J-1 principal and his/her dependents. If funding is via a scholarship, or an assistantship, please supply details including documentation from the source of funding. If self-funded or funded by anyone else in India, original bank passbooks are the clearest evidence of what funds are available.

All exchange visitor visa applicants and their dependents must apply for their visa in person at the consulate.

To arrange an interview, log on to http://www.vfs-usa.co.in/. We encourage families to schedule one appointment for all family members to be interviewed together. When the appointment is confirmed, applicants will receive a return e-mail with instructions.

Need more information?  Click here for frequently asked questions for exchange visitor visas.