# USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 2: J Exchange Visitor Eligibility

> Federal · Agency guidance · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C2

## Section

- **Citation:** USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 2
- **Heading:** J Exchange Visitor Eligibility
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Agency guidance
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** USCIS Policy Manual / Volume 2 - Nonimmigrants / Part D - Exchange Visitors (J) / USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 2

## Text

A. Programs

The J exchange visitor must be entering the United States to take part in a program that has been designated by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and meets the DOS regulatory requirements stated in 22 CFR 62 . The designated exchange visitor program categories are:

- Professors and research scholars;

- Short-term scholars;

- Trainees and interns;

- College and university students;

- Teachers;

- Secondary school students;

- Specialists;

- Physicians;

- International visitors;

- Government visitors;

- Camp counselors;

- Au pairs; and

- Summer work travel. [1]

Professors and research scholars;

Short-term scholars;

Trainees and interns;

College and university students;

Teachers;

Secondary school students;

Specialists;

Physicians;

International visitors;

Government visitors;

Camp counselors;

Au pairs; and

Summer work travel. [1]

B. General Criteria

While each program has specific requirements, J-1 exchange visitors are required to:

- Have been accepted in a DOS-approved exchange visitor program before applying for a visa [2] or applying for a change of status to J-1 while in the United States;

- Have sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the United States; [3]

- Have sufficient knowledge of English to be able to participate effectively in the exchange visitor program; [4] and

- Have a residence abroad which they do not intend to abandon. [5]

Have been accepted in a DOS-approved exchange visitor program before applying for a visa [2] or applying for a change of status to J-1 while in the United States;

Have sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the United States; [3]

Have sufficient knowledge of English to be able to participate effectively in the exchange visitor program; [4] and

Have a residence abroad which they do not intend to abandon. [5]

Footnotes

[1] See 22 CFR 62, Subpart B .

[2] See 9 FAM 402.5-6(C) , Qualifying for an Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1). DOS is responsible for visa processing. See 22 CFR 41.62(a)(1) .
es while in the United States; [3]

Have sufficient knowledge of English to be able to participate effectively in the exchange visitor program; [4] and

Have a residence abroad which they do not intend to abandon. [5]

Footnotes

[1] See 22 CFR 62, Subpart B .

[2] See 9 FAM 402.5-6(C) , Qualifying for an Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1). DOS is responsible for visa processing. See 22 CFR 41.62(a)(1) .

[3] Exchange visitors must maintain sufficient medical insurance for accident or illness for themselves and their dependent family members in a minimum amount of $50,000 per accident or illness. See 22 CFR 62.14 .

[4] See 22 CFR 41.62(a)(3) .

[5] See INA 101(a)(15)(J) .

## Nearby sections

- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 1 Purpose and Background](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C1.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 2 J Exchange Visitor Eligibility](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C2.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 3 Terms and Conditions of J Exchange Visitor Status](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C3.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 4 Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C4.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 5 Change of Status, Extensions of Stay, Program Transfers, and Reinstatement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C5.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 6 Family Members of J-1 Exchange Visitor](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C6.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C2. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.