Non-Immigrant Visas
Exchange Visitor Visas (J-1)
Every year hundreds of thousands of students, researchers, and professionals come from around the world to take advantage of the excellent and varied educational opportunities and resources available in the United States. Many of these visitors will require a J-1 or Exchange Visitor Visa, which is the primary visa for cultural or educational exchange programs. These visitors range from high school students participating in study abroad programs to scientists participating in groundbreaking research studies at some of the world's foremost scientific and medical research institutions. At the conclusion of their program, Exchange Visitors are expected to return to their home countries to utilize the skills they have acquired while in the United States and also to share their experiences with the American culture.
Apply for your visa as soon as you have completed your preparation for your exchange program in the United States. Administrative processing requirements after the interview may increase the amount of time a successful applicant will wait before receiving a visa. Therefore, exchange visitors should plan accordingly and are advised to apply at least 120 days before the start date listed on the DS-2019 form. Continuing students and researchers may apply for a new visa at any time, as long as they have been maintaining their status and their SEVIS number is valid.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted at several American Express/Speedex locations throughout Pakistan. Exchange visitors are required to submit the following items at an American Express/Speedex branch:
- Completed DS-156 Electronic Visa Application Form (http://evisaforms.state.gov/)
- Completed DS-157 Form (http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html)
- Parental Information Form
- Completed DS-158 Electronic Visa Application Form
- Current 2" x 2" photo showing hairline and ears on white background - not retouched or scanned
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond planned date of U.S. entry
- Original valid DS-2019 form with name and date of birth matching passport details
- $180 SEVIS fee receipt (paid online at http://www.fmjfee.com/)
- Visa application fee of US$131 or Pakistani Rupee equivalent
- Exchange visitors are required to appear at the Embassy for an interview after scheduling an appointment at an authorized American Express/Speedex branch - no walk ins.
The Visa Interview
Exchange visitors should bring all their application documents to the Embassy on the day of their interview. In addition, they should be prepared to provide the following documents during the interview:
- Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended, and scores from any standardized tests required by the educational institution, such as SAT, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.
- Financial evidence that the student has funds immediately available to cover the first year of tuition and living expenses, and evidence of funds for all subsequent years
- For post-grad students and researchers: CV with current projects, publications, educational history, and prior employment, plus proposed research plan with names of faculty sponsors
Exchange visitors with dependents must also provide proof of the student's relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates.) It is preferred that families apply for J-1 and J-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the exchange visitor visa holder's passport and visa, along with all other required documents.
Eligibility
While recent changes in visa issuance procedures have increased the time it takes to receive a visa, the standards for eligibility remain the same. Exchange visitors who have been accepted at a U.S. school and are able to pay the full costs of their exchange program are eligible to apply for an exchange visitor visa. However, acceptance at a school or exchange program in the U.S. does not ensure that an applicant will be qualified for a visa.
To qualify for an exchange program visa, an applicant must demonstrate their qualifications and the seriousness of their course of study or research in the United States. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their reasons for participating in an exchange program in the U.S. and the details of their intended program. Just as applicants for Visitor Visas, exchange visitors must also establish that they are not intending immigrants to the United States.
Caution: By signing the visa application form you are certifying that all the information contained in it is true and correct. If you misrepresent any facts, you could be barred from entering the United States for life. Please double-check that your answers are accurate and every question is answered completely.
Entering the United States
Please note that exchange visitors may not enter the U.S. on a J-1 visa more than 30 days prior to the start date listed on the DS-2019 form. Continuing exchange visitors may enter the U.S. at any time before their programs start. For more information on what to expect at the port of entry in the United States, please read the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Student and Exchange Visitor Program Fact Sheet.
Studying in the United States
For more information about exchange visitor programs in the United States, please contact the United States Education Foundation in Pakistan and visit Education USA.
For any other exchange visitor questions, please visit the Department of State's Exchange Visitors Visa website.