Understanding J-1 Status

The J Exchange Visitor category was developed to implement the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (Fulbright-Hayes Act) of 1961.

Describing the purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program, Department of State regulations 22 CFR 62.1(b) state that, “The purpose of the Program is to provide foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States and return home to share their experiences, and to encourage Americans to participate in educational and cultural programs in other countries.”

More than 300,000 participants from almost every country in the world come to the United States on J-1 visas each year. According to the Exchange Visitor Program, the primary goals are to allow participants the opportunity to engage broadly with Americans, share their culture, strengthen their English language abilities, and learn new skills or build skills that will help them in future careers.

An applicant for a J-1 visa must  establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that, at the time of the visa application, s/he has a residence abroad with no intention of abandoning, and that s/he intends to depart the U.S. after completing the program.This is a temporary non-immigrant visa category and all exchange visitors are expected to return to their home country upon completion of their program in order to share their exchange experiences.