J-1 Visa Bridge USA FAQ
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about J-1 visa programs, requirements, and procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about J-1 visa programs, requirements, and procedures.
This program allows college or university students from abroad to live and work temporarily in the U.S. during their summer break. It offers a chance to experience American culture firsthand while earning income through short-term employment.
The Exchange Visitor Program was created under the 1961 Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act. Its main goal is to promote cross-cultural understanding by allowing people from different countries to engage in educational and professional exchanges in the U.S. Participants are expected to return home at the end of their program to share their experiences.
The DS-2019 is the official certificate confirming your eligibility to take part in a J-1 program. Only approved sponsoring organizations can issue this document after selecting and approving a participant. Once issued, the participant uses it to apply for a J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Receiving this form does not automatically guarantee a visa—it's still subject to review by a consular officer.
The DS-7002, or Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP), outlines the structure and purpose of your internship or training in the U.S. Sponsors fill out this form to confirm that the program involves meaningful learning or skill development, not general employment. Both the DS-2019 and DS-7002 must be presented during your visa appointment, if requested.
Yes. Most J-1 applicants must pay this one-time fee before applying for the visa.
- General J-1 visa applicants: $220
- Summer Work Travel applicants: $35
This fee supports the SEVIS tracking system and must also be paid if you're changing to J-1 status from within the U.S. or switching program categories.
After you receive your DS-2019 and pay the SEVIS fee, you'll schedule an interview at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The consular officer will assess whether you:
- Intend to stay in the U.S. for a limited time
- Have sufficient financial resources
- Maintain strong connections to your home country (such as family, job, or studies)
Keep the following items in a secure place:
- Your passport
- All versions of your DS-2019 form issued during your program
These documents are essential throughout your stay.
You are allowed to:
- Enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program starts (as listed on the DS-2019)
- Stay up to 30 days after your program ends
These periods are managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Staying past the allowed time can affect your immigration status.
To stay in good standing:
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Know your program's end date (on the DS-2019) and leave the U.S. on time
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If your program is extended, your sponsor must update SEVIS and provide a new DS-2019
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Never work without permission
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Have your DS-2019 signed for travel before leaving the U.S. and returning
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Keep your passport valid
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Maintain mandatory health insurance throughout your stay
"D/S" stands for Duration of Status. This means you're legally allowed to stay in the U.S. as long as you follow the rules of your program and remain in active J-1 status. If you violate the terms, your legal stay could end, even if your DS-2019 hasn't expired.
Reach out to your J-1 visa sponsor (the organization that issued your DS-2019) for support. They are responsible for guiding and assisting you throughout your stay in the U.S.
Talk to your program sponsor before making any travel plans. They must approve and sign your DS-2019 for reentry into the U.S.
You may stay for up to 30 days after your program ends. However, this grace period only applies if you complete your program successfully. If you withdraw or are terminated, you must leave the country immediately and are not entitled to the 30-day grace period.
If you withdraw: Your sponsor must update SEVIS, and you'll need to leave the U.S. right away.
If your sponsor terminates your program: The same rules apply. You must depart immediately and will not get the 30-day post-program stay.
Yes. If you earn wages while on a J-1 visa, you are generally required to pay U.S. taxes on your income. This includes federal, and possibly state and local, taxes.
Some J-1 visa holders must return to their home country for at least two years after completing their program before they can apply for certain U.S. visas. To check if this applies to you, contact the U.S. Department of State's Waiver Review Division:
Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
Phone: (202) 663-1225
Use the same contact as above (U.S. Department of State's Waiver Review Division). They'll guide you through the process if you're eligible to request a waiver.
If you're having difficulty securing a Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly for assistance.
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Uncle Sam Placement is here to provide expert guidance and personalized support for all your J-1 visa questions and concerns.