Chapter 2 - J Exchange Visitor Eligibility
A. Programs
The J exchange visitor must be entering the United States to take part in a program that has been designated by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and meets the DOS regulatory requirements stated in 22 CFR 62. The designated exchange visitor program categories are:
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Professors and research scholars;
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Short-term scholars;
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Trainees and interns;
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College and university students;
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Teachers;
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Secondary school students;
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Specialists;
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Physicians;
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International visitors;
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Government visitors;
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Camp counselors;
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Au pairs; and
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Summer work travel.[1]
B. General Criteria
While each program has specific requirements, J-1 exchange visitors are required to:
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Have been accepted in a DOS-approved exchange visitor program before applying for a visa[2] or applying for a change of status to J-1 while in the United States;
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Have sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the United States;[3]
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Have sufficient knowledge of English to be able to participate effectively in the exchange visitor program;[4] and
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Have a residence abroad which they do not intend to abandon.[5]
Footnotes
[^ 1] See 22 CFR 62, Subpart B.
[^ 2] See 9 FAM 402.5-6(C), Qualifying for an Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1). DOS is responsible for visa processing. See 22 CFR 41.62(a)(1).
[^ 3] Exchange visitors must maintain sufficient medical insurance for accident or illness for themselves and their dependent family members in a minimum amount of $50,000 per accident or illness. See 22 CFR 62.14.
[^ 4] See 22 CFR 41.62(a)(3).
[^ 5] See INA 101(a)(15)(J).