J-1 visa
| Type | Non-immigrant visa for exchange visitors |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Participate in work- and study-based exchange programs |
| Enacted | Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hayes Act) |
| Eligibility |
|
| Categories | Exchange Visitor Categories
|
| Duration | Varies by program, from a few weeks to several years |
| Annual participants | Over 310,000 from more than 200 countries |
| Application process |
|
| Oversight | U.S. Department of State |
| Special conditions | Two-year home residency requirement may apply to some participants |
A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to research scholars, professors and exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, especially to obtain medical or business training within the U.S. All applicants must meet eligibility criteria, English language requirements, and be sponsored either by a university, private sector or government program. J-1 visa holders must usually return home for two years following visa expiration so they impart cultural knowledge learned in the United States. In 2022, the State Department issued 284,486 J-1 visas, with a visa approval rate of 88.8%. Between 2001 and 2021, there were 6,178,355 J-1 visas issued by the State Department. In 2023, there were 4,209 J-1 visa sponsors. Certain J-1 categories saw increased percentage increase in visas between 2021 and 2022. For example, The J-1 Visa for Summer Work/Travel increased 134% from 39,647 to 92,619. J-1 Teachers increased 467% from 719 to 4,076. Interns increased 212% from 5,402 to 16,833.