J-1 Exchange Visitors

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is intended to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges.

Entry into the United States as a participant in the Exchange Visitor Program is granted with the understanding that participants will complete the objectives of a single program category and, as the J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, return to their home countries upon completing their program.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

Two-Year Home Residency Requirement

A J-1 and/or J-2 exchange visitor is subject to the two-year home residency requirement [INA 212(e)] requirement, if one or more of the following conditions exist:

  • The program in which the J-1 exchange visitor is participating is financed in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the United States government or the government of the exchange visitor's nationality or last residence;
  • The J-1 exchange visitor is a national or resident of a country designated as requiring the services of persons engaged in the field of specialized knowledge or skills in which the exchange visitor was engaged for the duration of their program (see Exchange Visitors Skills List):
  • The J-1 exchange visitor entered the United States to receive graduate medical education or training.

If the principal J-1 exchange visitor is subject to the two-year residence requirement, all dependents that enter in J-2 status are subject to it as well.