J-1 Student Visa is basically a non-immigrant visa issued to scholars or professors by the US Government.This visa is mainly offered by the government of the United States to obtain medical or business training within the country. Like J-1 visas, there are several student exchange visitor visas that the US government sanctions on the candidates.In the year 2022, the State department released 284,486 J-1 visas with an approval rate of 88.8%.The cost of J-1 visa program depends a lot on the sponsor, category as well as the duration of stay.There are also certain eligibility criterias that every candidate needs to maintain in order to get hold of the J-1 Student Visa.There are various categories of J-1 visas namely-Short term Scholar,AU Pair,Internship,etc.The process of applying for J-1 Student Visa is very similar to that of B-1 tourist visa.The application fee for J-1 Student visa is estimated to be around USD 160(INR 13,280).

Categories of J-1 Visas

There are different types of J-1 Visas available for the candidates.Some of them are listed below:

  • Short-Term Scholar:This visa is specially for the research scholars conducting research at US universities for up-to six months.
  • AU Pair: This visa is made for the candidates who come to the US to study and live with a sponsored family for up to two years.
  • Internship: The recent graduates can come to the US and learn about American culture and get experienced in their profession.
  • Campus Counsellor:This video is for candidates above 18 years of age who come to the US and work with local youth at the US summer camps as camp teachers.
  • International Visitor program:The US Government selects the international visitors to conduct,research and train with the US colleges.
  • Work and travel:This visa is for full-time students who are enrolled at a post secondary school to work and travel during their breaks or holidays.

Eligibility Criteria of J-1 Visas

The J-1 Visa entry requirements depend on a lot of factors for the candidates. The eligibility criteria of J-1 student visas are as follows:

Type of Visa Eligibility Advantage Disadvantage
Au Pair
  • Must be between 18-26 years old
  • Proficient in English Language
 Cheapest way to live abroad for a year Needs to adapt to another family’s lifestyle
Camp Counselor
  • Must be 18 years old
  • Sufficient knowledge of English Language
 Provides immense financial value Candidates below 18 years cannot get access to this visa
Intern
  • Enrolled in a US university

or

  • Have graduated from anyUS university in the last 12 months
 - -
International Visitor
  • Selection of a candidate from the United States Department of State
 Provides opportunities to train with the US colleges This visa allows a visit only up-to 90 days
Professor and Research Scholar
  • The candidate should not have been a part of the professorship program in the last 24 months
 
  • The candidate should not have participated in a J-visa program in the last 12 months
 Provides high educational enrichment Will not allow a candidate if he/she has completed a research scholar program within the last 24 months
Summer Work Travel The candidate must have completed at least one semester of the program in the particular US university Provides the candidate an opportunity to live and work in the US Candidate must be proficient in English Language
Teacher
  • Should have the minimum qualifications to work in a primary or secondary school
 
  • A degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree in education or the applied subject of teaching.
 Provides high educational enrichment Must fulfil the standards of the U.S. state in which the candidate will teach
Physician
  • Must have the adequate medical training to participate in the program
 
  • Should have completed the education
 Provides medical education or training in a speciality occupation Must possess competency in oral and written English

Requirements for J-1 Student Visa

The J-1 visa for work as well for studies require some of the basic documentation process to check the authenticity of the candidate.Some of these documents are as follows:

  • Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form: The candidate needs to fill up the form DS-160 and bring the confirmation page to the embassy.
  • Passport:The validity of the passport should at least be 6 months after the departure date
  • Photograph:Submission of a recent photograph is mandatory.Make sure to follow the instructions in the form regarding the size and dimensions of the picture
  • Form DS-2019: After acceptance in the exchange program your sponsor should register you in the SEVIS(Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).There can also be a requirement to pay the form-fee.
  • Form DS-7002:The need of this form is specially for the J-1 trainee and intern categories students.
  • Health Insurance: A candidate must possess the J-1 visa health insurance.The sponsor’s duty is to check whether the same has been purchased by the candidate or not.
  • Visa Fee Receipt:A candidate should bring in the fee receipt if at all he/she has to make the payment before the interview.

Academic Requirements for J-1 Student Visa

The academic requirements for J-1 visa are as follows:

  • The candidate must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution
  • The candidate must be proficient in English
  • The candidate must follow all the restrictions at workplace
  • The candidate must maintain the active status as a J1 student
  • The candidate must meet the English proficiency requirements scores:
    IELTS:6.5
    TOEFL: 90
    PTE:50+

Cost of J-1 Student Visa

J-1 student visa costs vary according to tenure of stay as well as the country of origin.The type of costs and the estimated cost is summarised below for J-1 visa:

Type of Cost in J-1 visa Estimated Cost(USD)
Visa Application Cost USD 160 (INR 13,280)
SEVIS Fee USD 220 (INR 18,260)
On-site visit cost USD 180(INR 14,490) - USD 350(INR 29,050)
DS-160 Form Filling Fee USD 160 (INR 13,280)
Internship or Training USD 3140 (INR 2,60,620)
Management Training USD 4540 (INR 3,76,820)
Work & Travel USD 2040 (INR 1,69,320)

J-1 Visa Process

The process for J-1 Visa involves a lot of activity.The process is listed below:

  • Complete the filling of the application form
  • Pay the visa application fee USD 160(INR 13,280)
  • Set up an interview with the embassy/consulate.
  • Submit the necessary documents required at the time of form filling
  • Carry all the documents,if require at the interview
  • Attend the Interview

J-1 Student Visa Interview Process

The interview process for J-1 Student Visa is the most crucial because on it depend a lot of factors.The questions that are normally asked in a visa interview are listed below:

Ques: Why are you going to the United States?

Ans: This is basically a warm-up question.The candidate must inform the interviewer about his/her intent about the visit and show necessary proof such as admission letter or university’s call letter.

Ques: What do you do for a living?

Ans: The interviewer will want to know the source of your income and your standard of living.You should be able to show your financial proof as well the required documents.

Ques: What is your family’s annual income?

Ans: The interviewer may also ask you about your family’s annual income and when answering it be very specific and honest.The interviewer can also ask you to show the proof which can be either bank statement or any other financial document.

Ques: Why are you planning to continue your education?

Ans: The interviewer would want to know about your plans and the main reason behind your continuation of studies.

Ques: Why are you not pursuing your higher studies from your own country?

Ans. The interviewer will want to know the intent behind choosing the United States for future studies as compared to the candidate’s own country.

Ques: How many colleges did you apply to?

Ans.The interview would like to know the number of universities or colleges you have applied to.He/she can also enquire about the colleges you got rejected from and the reason for rejection.

Ques: What city in the US is your college located?

Ans.The interviewer would also question about your college’s location in the city and if you have any acknowledgement with the professors of that university.

Ques: Have you been to the US before?

Ans. Whether you have been to the United States earlier in your life is a common question that applicants face during the visa interview.

Ques: What are your test scores?

Ans. Irrespective of your admission in the university,the interviewer can also ask you about your test scores of exams like GRE,GMAT,IELTS,TOEFL,etc.

Ques: What are your sources of funds and how do you plan to stay in the US?

Ans. The interviewer will review your source of income and would like to know about your planning process of managing the required funds in the United States.

Tips to Pass the Interview

Some of the tips to pass the interview test are given below:

  • You should reach your destination minimum 30 minutes before.It carries a good impression.
  • You should dress properly and be in your formals.Your attire reflects the personality you carry.
  • Whatever you speak at the interview,speak with confidence. It carries a good impression in the mind of the interviewer.
  • You should also be honest with your information that you are saying to the interviewer be it your academic or financial details.
  • Do not exaggerate your answers.Explain them concisely and do not overstuff your answer with unnecessary points
  • You may be required to bring all your documents and submit them to the interviewer.Arrange them well and present them in a professional manner.
  • Never forget that your sole purpose of visiting is to pursue higher studies and not finding employment.If the concerned university requires you to work or do internships,that should be your secondary goal and not primary.
  • If possible,try to attend the interview alone.

J-1 Visa Rejection Reasons

Some of the reasons for which a candidate gets rejected in a visa interview are as follows:

  • Insufficient financial proof
  • Medical or health issues
  • False information or Misleading Facts
  • Unable to provide adequate reason of travel to the US
  • Lack of confidence to face questions
  • Incomplete or inaccurate forms
  • Criminal history
  • Overstaying your previous visa

FAQs

Ques. What is a J-1 US visa?

Ans.The J-1 exchange visitor visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Q-1 visa is for participation in certain international cultural exchange programs.

Ques. Who is eligible for a J-1 visa?

Ans. In order to qualify for a J-1 exchange visitor visa, you need to be coming to the U.S. as a student, scholar, trainee, intern, au pair, teacher, professor, research assistant, medical graduate, or international visitor.

Ques. How can I get J-1 visa from India?

Ans. Your passport (be sure to check the validity requirements for your country) Printed proof of payment of the SEVIS fee and payment or proof of payment of the J-1 Visa fee. All visa application forms required by your embassy/consulate. Any supporting materials or information required by your embassy/consulate.

Ques. How long is a J-1 visa valid for?

Ans. This J-1 Exchange Visitor category has a minimum stay of three weeks, and a maximum continuous stay of 5 years. The five year maximum stay for a J-1 research scholar/professor.

Ques. Which is better J-1 or H-1B?

Ans. H-1B Status Does Not Have the Two Year Home Residency Requirement, unlike a J-1: An H-1B alien may apply for adjustment of status to permanent resident or for change of status to another nonimmigrant classification, whereas some J-1 aliens are prohibited from such changes .

Ques. Can J-1 visa be converted to H-1B?

Ans. Can you change status from J1 to H1B? It is possible to change your status from J-1 to H-1B, provided you meet the H-1B visa criteria, such as having a qualifying job offer from a US sponsor, and follow the H-1B application process.

Ques. Can I get a green card if I have a J-1 visa?

Ans. Those in the United States on J-1 visas are eligible to apply for a Green Card through employment based or family based immigration.I

Ques. How much is the fee for J-1 visa?

Ans. Who must pay the J-1 SEVIS fee, and when? You must pay the fee if you are pursuing a new J-1 program. You will pay your SEVIS fee after you receive your SEVIS ID number and Exchange Visitor Program Number from your school or program sponsor. Pay the $220 fee at least three business days before your visa interview.

Ques. What is the benefit of J-1 visa?

Ans. Under certain U.S. federal, state, county, and local laws, J-1 visa holders and their dependents may qualify for “public assistance,” such as health insurance, subsidised housing, food assistance, or unemployment benefits.

Ques. Can you get a job on a J-1 visa?

Ans. As a J-1 student, you may not be employed for more than a total of 20 hours per week for both on-campus and off-campus locations during the academic year. However, you may be employed full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during summer and official University breaks.