United States Consulate General
Naha, Okinawa, Japan

J - EXCHANGE VISITORS

If you have been accepted into an exchange program between your university, company, or organization and a similar organization in the United States, you must obtain an exchange visitor visa. The visa symbol is "J". 

These programs are designated by the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and are the principal vehicle through which U.S.-Japan exchange programs are run.

To obtain an exchange visitor visa you must demonstrate that:

• You have been accepted into a designated exchange visitor program. This is evidenced by presentation of a completed form DS-2019 "Certificate of Eligibility". It is completed and sent to you by the sponsoring organization in the United States. It will bear a "program number," and must be completed in full;

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)
Effective February 15, 2003 you need a SEVIS-compliant DS-1029 form. This new form has a bar code on the right-hand side. All exchange visitors will be able to enter the U.S. with non-SEVIS documents issued prior to February 15, 2003. However, all forms issued on or after February 15, including all forms issued to continuing exchange visitors who departed the U.S. on or after February 15, 2003, must be SEVIS-compliant. Dependents must present their own copies of DS-1029 form. (More)

• you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses. If the sponsoring organization in the United States or your organization in Japan will pay your expenses, this must be shown;
• you have sufficient English to undertake the proposed program.

Please note that if your program is sponsored by the U.S. or Japanese government, or if you are not from Japan, you will be subject to a two year residency requirement that you spend two years in your home country after completing your exchange program. This rule prohibits you from adjusting your status to another non-immigrant visa status, or becoming a permanent resident unless you have spent two years in your home country after the completion of your exchange program. The Consulate General will determine whether you fall under this rule at the time you apply for the visa.

Applicants for exchange visitor visas must submit: 

• your passport;
• DS-156: Visa Application Form with the original fee receipt showing payment of the $100 visa application fee payable in dollars or yen;
• DS-157: Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form for all male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality;
• DS-158: Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant;
• a completed form DS-2019 from the U.S. sponsor. Do not separate DS-2019 form;
• financial statement that you will be able to support yourself during your stay;
• one photograph (see details); and
• any supporting documents.

The application forms can also be obtained at the Consulate General gate. Please make sure you have filled out these forms completely, as incomplete applications will result in a delay in processing your visa application.

If you want to attend a flight training school in the U.S., please see: Special Note for Students Attending Flight Training School.

Family Members:

Spouses and children under the age of 21 of exchange visitors do not require a separate DS-2019.

Do I Need a Visa to Re-enter the U.S.?

If you are in Japan temporarily while still participating in your exchange program, and if your visa has expired, you will need a new visa. To obtain, please submit:

• your DS-2019;
• your passport;
• DS-156: Visa Application Form 
• $100 visa application fee payable in dollars or yen;
• DS-157: form for male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless nationality;
• DS-158: Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant;
• one photograph (see details); and 
• evidence of ability to support yourself financially during your stay.

J visa applicants in general must pay the nonrefundable $100 visa application fee. Applicants participating certain programs funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural of the State Department or USAID are exempt from payment of the application fee.