J1 Exchange Visitor Visa
The J1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa category, coordinated by the US Department of State, for participants in approved cultural exchange programs ranging from Au Pair to Work and Travel, internships, and research positions. The application begins with Form DS-2019 issued by the sponsoring organization, and a 30-day grace period is granted after the program ends.
Who It's For
Those participating in approved cultural exchange programs such as Work and Travel, Au Pair, internships, or research positions.
- SEVIS I-901 fee — Work and Travel and Au Pair programs: $35 USD (Source: ice.gov/sevis)
- SEVIS I-901 fee — internship, research, and other J1 categories: $220 USD (Source: ice.gov/sevis)
- DS-160 visa application fee (MRV): $185 USD (Source: travel.state.gov)
- Once the consulate confirms approval at your interview, your visa is typically printed within 3 business days.
- Your passport, with the visa affixed, reaches you in an average of 10 days.
- In cases requiring further review, such as Administrative Processing, this can extend to a few weeks.
- Appointment availability changes frequently depending on the season; we recommend contacting us for the current appointment situation.
Our Process
Assessment After Your DS-2019
Once you receive Form DS-2019 from your sponsor organization, we assess your profile based on your program type — Work and Travel, Au Pair, internship, research, and more.
SEVIS I-901 & DS-160 Preparation
From paying the SEVIS I-901 fee to preparing your DS-160 form, you move through every step together with your advisor.
Interview Preparation & Follow-Up
You go into your interview prepared to clearly present your program's purpose, and we track the process together with you through to the result — including what to know about the 30-day grace period after your program ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Vizeyon's support cover during the J1 visa process?
- Once your DS-2019 arrives, you work with a dedicated advisor through every step — paying the SEVIS I-901 fee, preparing your DS-160 form, interview preparation, and appointment tracking.
- How long can I stay in the US after my J1 program ends?
- You're granted a 30-day legal grace period after your program ends to leave the US or change your visa status; this period runs from your program's official end date.
- What happens if my application is refused?
- The purpose of our assessment step is to clarify your program's purpose and your ties to your home country before you apply. If a refusal does happen, we review your file together before you reapply — the final decision always rests with the US Embassy or Consulate.
- Does the process differ across J1 program types like Work and Travel, Au Pair, or internships?
- The core steps — DS-2019, SEVIS I-901, DS-160, and the interview — are common to all J1 programs; your advisor tailors your preparation to your specific program type and your sponsor organization's requirements.
Learn More
Read our "J1 Exchange Visitor Visa: Complete Guide" guide