J-1 Visa Information

J-1 Visa Information

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States for research scholars, professors and exchange visitors participating in cultural exchange programs. To qualify, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, demonstrate English proficiency, and have sponsorship from a university, private sector, or government program.

J-1 Visa Process

J-1 visa applications are submitted through the U.S. Embassy in the applicant’s home country. The Embassy reviews the applications and nominates participants for the program. The International Travel Team will prepare the necessary form for your visa application, the DS-2019, to initiate the visa application process. The form will be sent directly to the Embassy/Consulate. You can expect to hear from the Embassy/Consulate contact soon after the application process commences.

Note: The Mansfield Center can only answer questions related to the DS-2019, and cannot answer questions related to the application itself. Any questions about the application should be directed to the Embassy/Consulate.

J-1 Visa Fees

Participants do not need to pay the visa fee – visa fees are waived for our program participants. Questions related to the visa fee should be directed to the Embassy or Consulate in your home country. 

Two-Year Home Residency Requirement

J-1 visitors can remain in the U.S. until their exchange program ends as indicated on the DS-2019 form. As with other non-immigrant visas, J-1 holders must leave the U.S. once their stay ends and must complete the mandatory two-year home-country requirement following their departure. This requires that participants either return to their home country for two years before coming back to the U.S., or obtain a waiver before changing to another visa type, obtaining U.S. permanent residency, or altering their nonimmigrant status within the U.S.

For any additional questions regarding the Two-Year Home Residency requirement, visit the State Department website or contact your local Embassy. 

Traveling to your J-1 Visa Interview

Once you’ve completed the J-1 visa application you will be asked to attend an interview at the Embassy or Consulate in your home country to receive your J-1 visa. We understand that some participants may not live close to the Embassy/Consulate and may need travel assistance. The Mansfield Center Travel Team is here to help pending qualifying circumstances.

• A flight (if applicable)
• A hotel (maximum of 2 nights)

• If you have a friend or family member you can stay with, or if you do not require a flight, please let us know.
• We highly encourage the use of public transportation, including for anyone who can travel to the Embassy and back in one day.
• We will do our best to provide assistance where we can, but cannot accommodate all needs do to strict budgetary constraints. Only qualifying circumstances apply for additional assistance.
• If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact the International Travel Team (mansfieldtravelassist@mso.umt.edu).

• If you require a flight and/or hotel for your visa interview, you must notify the Mansfield Center Travel Team at mansfieldtravelassist@mso.umt.edu once you receive confirmation from the Embassy about your visa appointment. Please provide the following information in your email:
  • Visa Appointment Date:
  • Visa Appointment Time:
  • Visa Location (if going to a U.S. Consulate):
  • Local Departure Airport (if you need a flight):
  • Additional Information:

J-1 Visa Help

For questions regarding the visa application or its process, please contact your local Embassy or Consulate.

If you have any questions or concerns about traveling for your visa interview, please reach out to mansfieldcentertravelassist@mso.umt.edu with more details.