J-1 Visa Proof of Funds: Financial Support for Your Stay

What Financial Support Must You Show for a J-1 Visa?

Evidence that you have enough financial support for your J-1 Visa stay, including housing and living expenses for interns and trainees.

Check if we can do your J-⁠1 Visa

What Your Sponsor Checks

When issuing your DS-2019, your sponsor must ensure that you have sufficient finances for your entire stay in the US, including housing and living expenses. This requirement comes from 22 CFR 62.22(e)(2) for interns and trainees. It also applies to an Unpaid Internship.

Your sponsor must disclose fees, likely living and trans­porta­tion costs, and housing arrangements and expected costs before arrival. See J-1 Costs and Pay & Housing.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns · 22 CFR § 62.10: Program admin­is­tra­tion

Pay and Other Funds

Your sponsor must explain any stipend or wages and deductions at orientation. SEVIS financial information includes personal funds and support from organizations. These are sources of financial support, not a requirement that every placement pay a wage.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.10: Program admin­is­tra­tion · ICE - SEVIS Batch Interface Release 6.83, J Exchange Visitor Financial Information (D-⁠11 to D-⁠13) · 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

What Appears on the DS-2019

The State Department describes the DS-2019 as including an estimate of program costs. Its detailed description identifies block 5 as the breakdown of total estimated financial support during your program.

Source: J-⁠1 Visa: About DS-⁠2019 · US Department of State - Detailed Description of the DS-⁠2019

At the Visa Application Stage

The embassy or consulate's instructions may request additional evidence of your ability to pay all travel costs. If you cannot cover those costs yourself, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all of them. The consular officer determines whether you qualify for the visa.

Source: Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State)

FAQs

Does 22 CFR 62.22 set a fixed dollar amount?

No. Section 62.22(e)(2) requires sufficient finances for your whole stay, including housing and living expenses, without specifying a dollar amount.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

Can I rely on my J-2 spouse's earnings to support me?

No. Under 8 CFR 214.2(j)(1)(v), J-2 employment will not be authorized if that income is needed to support the J-1 participant. See J-2 Visa.

Source: 8 CFR § 214.2(j): Exchange visitors

The Bottom Line

Your finances must cover the whole stay. The sponsor checks financial support for the DS-2019; the visa process may require further evidence of how travel costs will be paid.

Related Terms

• 
  J-1 CostsWhat a J-1 internship or traineeship costs besides the trip, from the SEVIS fee to living costs in the US.
  more
• 
  Pay & HousingWhat the J-1 rules say about pay and accommodation for interns and trainees. They set no wage, but you must be able to cover your whole stay, housing included.
  more
• 
  Unpaid InternshipAn unpaid J-1 internship must meet exchange-program requirements and applicable wage law; the J-1 rules alone do not decide whether pay is required.
  more
• 
  DS-2019The Certificate of Eligibility your J-1 sponsor issues. You need it to apply for your visa.
  more
• 
  Visa InterviewThe appointment at a US embassy or consulate where you apply for your J-1 Visa with your DS-2019.
  more
• 
  J-2 VisaThe visa for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a J-1 participant who come along or join later.
  more

Sources

1. 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
2. 22 CFR § 62.10: Program admin­is­tra­tion
3. ICE - SEVIS Batch Interface Release 6.83, J Exchange Visitor Financial Information (D-⁠11 to D-⁠13)
4. J-⁠1 Visa: About DS-⁠2019
5. US Department of State - Detailed Description of the DS-⁠2019
6. Exchange Visitor Visa (US Department of State)
7. 8 CFR § 214.2(j): Exchange visitors