Core Requirements and Process, Aspect, Details, Designated Sponsor:
Applicants cannot apply directly to the U.S. government. They must be accepted by a State Department-approved sponsor organization (universities, non-profits, or private companies).
Form DS-2019: The official Certificate of Eligibility issued by the sponsor once accepted, required to schedule a visa interview.
SEVIS Fee and Interview: Applicants must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and complete an in-person visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
SEVIS Tracking: Sponsors monitor participants throughout their stay via the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement (Section 212(e)
Certain J-1 exchange visitors are subject to a requirement that obligates them to return to their home country for a cumulative total of two years before they can:
Change status to another non-immigrant visa status (such as H-1B, L-1) within the U.S.
Obtain an H-1B, L-1, or immigrant (green card) status.
This rule generally applies if:
The program is financed in whole or in part by the U.S. government or the participant's home government.
The participant's field of study or specialized skill is on the U.S. Exchange Visitor Skills List for their home country.
The participant came to the U.S. to receive graduate medical education or training.
Note: In some cases, participants may apply for a formal 212(e) waiver if they meet specific hardship, interested government agency, or no-objection criteria.
