Last updated 2025-07-01
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Issued to influential or distinguished persons selected by a U.S. federal, state or local government agency in order to develop and strengthen professional and personal relationships with their American counterparts in U.S. federal, state or local government agencies.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 21 days to 1 year 5 months 25 days
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The validity of a visa is the period during which the visa holder can enter the country. The decision on the validity of a visa is made at the consulate based on the individual circumstances and citizenship of the applicant, and does not depend directly on him. The maximum validity of this visa is usually 18 months.
from 21 days to 1 year 5 months 25 days
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
Form DS-2019, or Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, is the primary document used to administer the exchange visitor program. This form allows a potential exchange visitor to attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain a J visa to enter the United States. The information on this form is completed by the sponsor before it is given to the participant, who, upon receipt of the DS-2019, can apply to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a J-1 visa. It is the form that determines the duration of the applicant’s stay. The visa is generally valid for up to 18 months. In addition, after the program has concluded (the period provided by the DS-2019), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants participants an additional 30-day period, commonly referred to as the "Grace Period." This time is provided by USCIS to allow participants to sort out their affairs and prepare to return to their home country. Participants in the program cannot continue and/or complete exchange activities or work.
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
To extend the applicant's stay, the program officer (sponsor) must submit a request to the Department of State at least two months before the DS-2019 expires. The stay authorized under this program cannot exceed 18 months, therefore, if the current DS-2019 was issued for 18 months, an extension is not possible.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
A J-1 visa may be issued for a single or multiple entries into the United States, depending on the circumstances of the applicant and the host organization.
from 21 days to 1 month 10 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The processing time depends on the country of application, the purpose of the visit and the citizenship of the applicant. After receiving the DS-2019 form, you must make an appointment for an interview at the US embassy or consulate. The waiting time for an interview may vary depending on the specific embassy or consulate: from two weeks to several months. The standard processing time, in the absence of problems with the content of the application, is 21 business days from the day after the date of acceptance of the application. However, this period may be extended in certain cases, especially when additional documents are required from the applicant. If the DS-2019 applications are successfully processed and approved, you must make an appointment for an interview at a US diplomatic mission, be it an embassy or consulate. The waiting time for an interview is determined individually for each institution - from two weeks to several months, which depends on the specific place of application.
free
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
For participants of governmental programs, there is no consular fee for visa processing.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements) and with at least two blank pages.
Visa application form
Online application form DS-160 that must be filled out completely and accurately.
Photograph
Taken in the last six months, passport-size, colored, clean, and meeting other standards according to U.S. government photo guidelines.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
SEVIS fee payment receipt
Showing payment of the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee.
Form DS-2019
Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, issued by the sponsor organization.
Invitation or acceptance letter
Letter from the sponsoring organization detailing the purpose of the exchange program and the applicant's role in it.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Travel itinerary
Information about the planned travel, including flight details and the address where the applicant will be staying in the United States (if applicable).
Travel history
Details about the previous travel to the United States, including dates and purposes of visits, if applicable.
National passport or ID card
Confirming the current location. Residence permit, visa or other supporting document confirming the resident status if the country of residence is different from that listed in the passport of the applicant.
Personal ID number
In the country of the residence. If applicable.
Proof of funds
To cover the entire cost of travel (bank statements, proof of assets, etc.).
Proof of strong ties to the home country
Employment verification, school enrollment, property or business ownership, community relations, etc.
Proof of family ties
Marriage certificate, certificate of divorce or death of a spouse if the applicant was previously married, child's birth or adoption certificate, and other documents that clearly demonstrate family ties or custody.
Proof of accommodation
A copy of hotel reservation, rental contract, or letter from friends/family in the USA.
Military records
If the applicant has ever served in any country’s military.
Medical certificates
Health certificates, vaccination certificates, etc. depending on the purpose of the visit, citizenship and country of submission of documents by the applicant.
Application fee payment receipt
If the applicant is required to pay before the interview.
Registration documents
For companies, schools, businesses and organizations inviting the applicant.
Certificate of criminal record
Confirming no criminal record in the applicant’s home or residence country.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Strong ties with the home country and valid reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
J
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
R
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Exchange visitor
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
from 21 days to 1 year 5 months 25 days
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Free of charge
