J-1 Visa: Complete Guide for Exchange Programs in the USA in 2026

The J-1 visa is one of the most versatile tools in the American immigration system for those wishing to participate in cultural, educational, or professional exchange programs in the United States. Regulated by Section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the rules of 22 CFR Part 62, it covers 15 distinct program categories, from au pair to visiting researchers, from interns to physicians in training. Unlike purely academic visas such as the F-1, the J-1 was designed as an instrument of cultural diplomacy: its stated goal is to promote mutual understanding among peoples through educational and cultural exchanges.

In 2026, the program continues to operate at full capacity, with important adjustments to fees and a significant update to the skills list that determines who is subject to the two-year residency requirement. For Brazilians, a change published in December 2024 brought particularly relevant news: Brazil was removed from the Exchange Visitor Skills List of the Department of State, eliminating one of the main sources of the requirement to return to the country of origin.

This guide details every aspect of the J-1 visa with verified data as of April 2026, from program categories and costs to the application process and the long-term legal implications.

Program Categories

The J-1 program, administered by the Department of State through BridgeUSA, operates in 15 official categories. Each has its own rules regarding duration, eligibility, and work authorization:

• Au Pair: young people between 18 and 26 years old who live with American host families, providing childcare for 12 months, with the possibility of extension for up to an additional 12 months
• Intern: university students or recent graduates (up to 12 months after graduation) who undertake professional internships for up to 12 months
• Trainee: professionals with a university degree and at least 1 year of experience, or 5 years of experience in the field, with programs of up to 18 months
• Summer Work Travel: university students who work in seasonal jobs in the US for up to 4 months during vacation
• Camp Counselor: program to work as a counselor at American camps, up to 4 months
• Research Scholar: researchers and academics conducting research at American institutions, for up to 5 years
• Professor: faculty members teaching at accredited higher education institutions, for up to 5 years
• Short-Term Scholar: academics and professionals on short visits for lectures, consultations, or research, up to 6 months
• Specialist: professionals with specialized knowledge in observation and consultation programs, up to 1 year
• Teacher: elementary and secondary school teachers at accredited American schools, for up to 3 years
• Physician: doctors in residency or fellowship programs via ECFMG, for up to 7 years
• Government Visitor: leaders and specialists selected by American government agencies
• International Visitor: program restricted to leaders selected by the Department of State

Fees and Costs in 2026

The total cost of the J-1 visa involves mandatory government fees and sponsor program fees. The government fees are:

• MRV Fee (DS-160): US$ 185, paid before the consular interview, non-refundable
• SEVIS Fee (I-901): US$ 220, paid in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program system at least 3 business days before the interview
• Visa Integrity and Border Security Fee: US$ 250, established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR-1) in July 2025, charged at the time of visa issuance; implementation for consular posts is in the regulatory phase

The total government fees add up to US$ 405 without the Visa Integrity Fee (US$ 655 when implemented). Dependents on the J-2 visa (spouse and children under 21) pay the MRV fee of US$ 185 individually, but do not pay a separate SEVIS fee. In addition to government fees, program fees charged by the sponsoring organization (sponsor) range from US$ 800 to US$ 3,500 depending on the category and institution.

The DS-2019 Form

The Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019) is the central document in the J-1 process. It is issued by the sponsoring organization designated by the Department of State and contains information about the program, category, start and end dates, and level of funding. Without the DS-2019, it is not possible to pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160, or schedule the consular interview.

The DS-2019 also indicates whether the participant is subject to the two-year residency requirement (Section 212(e) of the INA). This marking appears in a specific field on the form and has significant implications for the participant’s future immigration prospects, affecting the possibility of transitioning to other visa statuses.

Residency Requirement 212(e)

One of the most important aspects of the J-1 visa is the two-year home residency requirement provided for in Section 212(e) of the INA. Participants subject to this requirement must return to their country of origin and reside there for at least two years before they can apply for H-1B, L-1, K-1 visas or a green card.

The requirement applies in three specific situations: when the participant received funding from the government of their home country or the US government (including Fulbright scholarships and federal grants); when the participant’s area of specialization is listed on the Exchange Visitor Skills List for their country of nationality; or when the participant is in a medical training program (Graduate Medical Education) via ECFMG.

A relevant change occurred in December 2024, when the Department of State published an updated Skills List with a data-driven methodology, considering per capita GDP, country size, and emigration rates. With this update, Brazil was removed from the list, as were China, India, Colombia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. In practice, Brazilians who do not receive government funding and are not in medical programs will no longer be subject to the two-year requirement based on the Skills List.

Those subject to the requirement can seek a waiver through Form DS-3035, on five possible grounds: no-objection statement from the government of the home country, persecution on account of race, religion, or political opinion, exceptional hardship to a US citizen spouse or child, request from an interested US government agency, or a program designated by the Department of State.

Application Process

The step-by-step process to obtain the J-1 visa follows a defined sequence. First, the applicant identifies and is accepted into an approved program, receiving the DS-2019 from the sponsoring organization. Next, they pay the SEVIS (I-901) fee of US$ 220 on the SEVP website and obtain the confirmation receipt. The next step is to complete the DS-160 online and pay the MRV fee of US$ 185.

With these documents in hand, the applicant schedules the consular interview at the US embassy or consulate. In Brazil, consular posts are located in Brasília, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, and Porto Alegre. At the interview, it is essential to demonstrate a genuine intention to participate in the program and return to the country of origin at the end, presenting ties such as employment, ongoing studies, property, or family connections.

After approval, the participant may enter the US up to 30 days before the start date indicated on the DS-2019 and must leave the country up to 30 days after the end of the program (grace period).

Work Authorization

Work authorization on the J-1 depends entirely on the program category. Participants in Summer Work Travel and Camp Counselor have work authorization tied to the nature of the program. Interns and Trainees work according to the training plan approved by the sponsor. Au Pairs provide childcare for the host family in exchange for a weekly stipend and housing.

Categories such as Research Scholar and Professor allow work exclusively at the host institution and in the function described on the DS-2019. Work outside the authorized program is prohibited and may result in status violation. In some categories, Academic Training allows employment related to the field of study for up to 18 months after the end of the main program, or up to 36 months for participants in doctoral programs. Since 2024, a temporary initiative by the Department of State, valid until June 2026, extends Academic Training to up to 36 months for J-1 students in STEM fields, even outside the doctoral level.

Common Mistakes

The most common mistake among Brazilians is underestimating the requirement to show ties to the country of origin at the consular interview. The consular officer must be convinced that the applicant will return to Brazil after the program; the absence of tangible evidence of return is the main cause of refusals under Section 214(b) of the INA, which presumes immigrant intent until proven otherwise.

Another recurring mistake is confusing the J-1 with a direct path to permanent immigration. The J-1 is, by definition, a temporary exchange visa. Although it is possible to transition to other statuses later, especially after Brazil’s removal from the Skills List, showing intent to remain in the US during the interview may result in visa denial.

Incomplete documentation, especially the lack of the SEVIS receipt or inconsistencies between the DS-2019 and DS-160, also causes delays and complications. Before the interview, it is essential to check that all fields on the DS-160 are consistent with the DS-2019 and that the name is spelled exactly as in the passport, including accents and surname order.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.