J-1 Visa Costs: Fees and Living Costs Explained
Table of Contents
What Does a J-1 Program Cost?
What a J-1 internship or traineeship costs besides the trip, from the SEVIS fee to living costs in the US.
Key Takeaways
- Fixed: the SEVIS fee of $220.
- Plus the $185 visa application fee, the sponsor's program fee and health insurance.
- You must be able to cover your living costs for the whole stay.
- SEVIS fee
- $220
- Visa application fee
- $185
- Sponsor program fee
- Varies by sponsor
- Health insurance
- Required
- Living costs
- Must be covered
The Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| SEVIS Fee (I-901) | $220 |
| Visa application fee | $185, paid to the US embassy or consulate |
| Sponsor program fee | Varies by sponsor |
| Health Insurance | Required for the whole program |
Source: ICE: I-901 SEVIS fee · 22 CFR § 62.14: Insurance · Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State)
Living Costs
Sponsors may only issue the DS-2019 if you have sufficient finances to support yourself for your entire stay in the US, including housing and living expenses. You can use a stipend, savings or a combination of the two.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
Visa Fees at the Consulate
The J visa application fee is $185. The fee cannot be refunded and is usually paid before the interview. Depending on your nationality, a visa issuance fee (reciprocity fee) may be added after approval. Participants in US government sponsored exchange programs are exempt from the application fee. A visa integrity fee set by a 2025 US law can come on top when the visa is issued, see Visa Fee (MRV).
Source: Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State) · Pub. L. 119-21 (H.R. 1), § 100007: Visa integrity fee (8 U.S.C. § 1806)
FAQs
Do I need to show I can pay my living costs?
Yes. Sponsors must make sure you can support yourself for your entire stay, including housing and living expenses.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
How much is the J-1 Visa fee?
The visa application fee for a J visa is $185, paid to the US embassy or consulate. Depending on your nationality, an additional visa issuance fee may apply.
Source: Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State)
The Bottom Line
Plan for the $220 SEVIS fee, the visa application fee, the sponsor's program fee, health insurance and your living costs for the whole stay.
Related Terms
- SEVIS FeeThe I-901 fee for the US exchange visitor database. For J-1 applicants it is $220.more
- Health InsuranceCoverage every J-1 participant must have for the whole program, with minimum benefits set by US rules.more
- DocumentsWhat you, your host company and your sponsor need for a J-1 internship or traineeship.more
- J-1 TimelineThe order of steps from your eligibility check to your arrival in the US, and what decides how long it takes.more
- Visa InterviewThe appointment at a US embassy or consulate where you apply for your J-1 Visa with your DS-2019.more
- J-1 InternA US exchange visitor category that lets students and recent graduates train at a US company for up to 12 months.more
Sources
- ICE: I-901 SEVIS fee
- 22 CFR § 62.14: Insurance
- Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State)
- 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
- Pub. L. 119-21 (H.R. 1), § 100007: Visa integrity fee (8 U.S.C. § 1806)