Nonimmigrant J-1 — Exchange VisitorVerified 2026-04-19USA Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1) — Informational
The J-1 visa is for individuals approved to participate in US Department of State-designated Exchange Visitor programs. Categories include research scholar, short-term scholar, specialist, intern, trainee, au pair, camp counsellor, summer work travel, teacher, physician (clinical), and government visitor. Each has its own sponsor, requirements, and duration.
J-1 applications are driven by your State-Department-approved sponsor organisation, which issues Form DS-2019. Best handled with the sponsor's guidance (e.g., the program, university, or designated exchange organisation). SureshotVisa specialises in visitor, student, and business visa interviews.
Processing
Interview wait times vary significantly by city and season — check current wait times at travel
Stay Duration
Varies by program — from 3 weeks to 7 years depending on category
Starting Fee
$185
Apply At
6 VFS centres
Who Can Apply
- Participants in State-Department-designated exchange programs
- Research scholars and professors invited to US institutions
- Interns / trainees with approved J-1 sponsor programs
- Physicians doing US clinical training (ECFMG-sponsored)
- Au pairs, summer work travel, camp counsellors (young adults)
Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 Business/Tourist visa | $185 |
| F-1 / M-1 Student visa | $185 |
| J-1 Exchange Visitor | $185 |
| H/L/O/P/Q Work visas | $205 |
| R-1 Religious Worker visa | $205 |
| C/D Transit/Crewmember visa | $185 |
| I Journalist/Media | $185 |
| K-1 Fiancé(e) | $265 |
| E Treaty Trader/Investor | $315 |
All US nonimmigrant visa (MRV) fees are set in USD by the Department of State and paid online in India via usvisascheduling.com. The INR amount depends on exchange rate on payment day. Additional costs: SEVIS fee for F/M/J visas (paid to ICE separately), VFS document delivery charges, photograph, and any USCIS petition fees (for work visas — usually paid by employer). MRV fees are non-refundable regardless of interview outcome. SEVIS fee for J-1 is $220, paid separately. 2-year home residency requirement (212(e)) may apply depending on program — consult your sponsor.
Documents Required
Overview — for informational reference only
- !Form DS-2019 from J-1 sponsor
Issued by State-Department-approved sponsor organisation.
- !SEVIS fee receipt ($220)
- !DS-160 + $185 MRV fee receipt
- !Sponsor's program letter
- !Academic / professional qualifications
- !Proof of English proficiency
- !Evidence of funds + sponsor financial support
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Get DS-2019 from designated sponsor
Sponsor organisation reviews your eligibility and issues DS-2019.
Pay SEVIS fee + MRV fee + DS-160
Standard US visa application flow.
Interview at Consulate
Focus on program, return intent, home residency requirement.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
DS-160 — Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Mandatory online form for ALL US nonimmigrant visa applicants. Complete, submit, and print the confirmation page (with barcode) BEFORE booking your appointment.
US Embassy India — Official Visa Information
Official information on US visa services in India — covers all categories, updates, and notices.
USTravelDocs India — Appointment Scheduling & Fees
Where Indian applicants pay MRV fee, schedule VAC (biometrics) + Consulate (interview) appointments, and track passport return.
SEVIS Fee Payment (I-901) — for F/M/J visas
Required for student and exchange visa applicants BEFORE the visa interview. Keep the receipt.
USCIS — Petition-based Work Visa Information
For H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc — the employer files I-129 petition with USCIS first; approval notice (I-797) is required at visa interview.
VFS Application Centres
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 212(e) home residency?+
Why informational?+
Why doesn't SureshotVisa process US work visas?+
This page is for information only
SureshotVisa does not process this visa category. For other United States visa types we can help with — Tourist, Visitor, Business, Student, or Family Reunification — see the related visa types below.
Other United States Visa Types
USA Tourist Visa (B-2 — Tourism / Visit Family)
Non-immigrant visa for Indian citizens visiting the US for tourism, leisure, medical, or to see family/friends. Typically 10-year multiple-entry. $185.
USA Business Visa (B-1 — Business Visitor)
Non-immigrant visa for Indian professionals doing business activities in the US — meetings, conferences, negotiations, consulting. $185. Usually combined B-1/B-2.
USA Student Visa (F-1 — Academic Student)
Full-time study visa for Indian students at US universities/colleges. Requires I-20 from SEVP-certified school + SEVIS fee + funds evidence. $185 visa fee.
USA H-1B Work Visa (Speciality Occupation) — Informational
Petition-based work visa for Indian professionals with US job offers in specialty occupations requiring bachelor's+. Annual lottery, 65,000 cap + 20,000 US master's. $205.
USA L-1 Intra-Company Transfer Visa — Informational
For Indian managers/executives (L-1A) or specialised-knowledge employees (L-1B) transferring to a US branch/subsidiary of their employer. No annual cap. $205.
USA O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa — Informational
For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or film. Petition-based, no cap. Stringent standards.
USA P Visa (Athletes, Entertainers, Artists) — Informational
For internationally recognised athletes, entertainers, artists, or performers entering the US for specific events/competitions. P-1, P-2, P-3 sub-categories.
USA Q Cultural Exchange Visa — Informational
For participants in international cultural exchange programs providing practical training + cultural sharing with the American public.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global United States website and Embassy of United States. Last verified 2026-04-19. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.