Research, teach or share your expertise in the USA

The J-1 visa for experienced academics, professionals and specialists. We sponsor your stay and handle the paperwork, from the DS-2019 to the consulate, so you can focus on your work.

Check your eligibility, free All we need to start: your CV and a short description of the planned role.

Four ways into the USA

The professional exchange covers four J-1 categories. Pick the one that fits your background and your plan.

3 weeks to 5 years
Direct Registration

USA & UK
Get your visa

Find out in 60 seconds if you meet the criteria and secure your spot.

Which country do you want to go to?

Research Scholar

Conduct research, observe or consult on a defined research project at a US host. You may also teach or lecture.

Learn more → 3 weeks to 5 years

Professor

Teach, lecture, observe or consult at an accredited academic institution. You may also conduct research.

Learn more → up to 1 year

Specialist

Share specialized knowledge or skills as a recognized expert. No minimum degree required, from business and law to chefs and coaches.

Learn more → up to 6 months

Short-Term Scholar

Lecture, consult, train or present during a short visit. Ideal for conferences, seminars and workshops, with no waiting period.

Learn more →

Not sure if you qualify?

Send us your CV and a short description of the planned role at your US host. We confirm your eligibility for the right category, free of charge and with no obligation.

Check my eligibility

Your six steps to the USA

From the first eligibility check to your visa interview, we guide you through every step.

1

Eligibility check

You send your CV and the planned role. We confirm your category, free of charge.

2

Application

We open your application in the Beacon portal. You complete it and sign the program terms.

3

Host confirmation

Your US host confirms the role.

4

Review and interview

We review everything for accuracy, then the sponsor conducts a short interview with you.

5

DS-2019 and SEVIS

Your record is enrolled in SEVIS and your DS-2019 form is issued and released to you.

6

Visa interview

Prepared for the consulate, you apply for your J-1 visa and head to the USA.

Please plan four to six weeks before your start date. You need at least an intermediate level of English. The sponsor reviews completed applications within about ten business days.

What it costs

One transparent VisaNerd price by duration. Whether you bring your own host or we help you find one, every J-1 participant needs a certified sponsor.

VisaNerd sponsorship

Price by program duration, all four categories

up to 7 months3.900 €
up to 13 months5.200 €
up to 2 years6.400 €
up to 3 years7.500 €
up to 4 years8.700 €
up to 5 years10.000 €

Included in the price

  • DS-2019 form, your certificate of eligibility
  • SEVIS fee (220 $)
  • A J-1 compliant health insurance for the full program, or your host’s plan where it meets the standard
  • Preparation for the consulate interview
  • Our support from start to departure

Not included

  • Consulate visa fee (about 185 $)
  • Travel and living costs
  • J-2 visa for accompanying dependents

A J-1 visa requires health insurance for the full program. The price includes a compliant basic plan. If your host organization provides insurance, which is common at universities, we check that it meets the J-1 standard. More comprehensive cover is available as an optional add on. Prices as of 2026, subject to change.

You are a US host?

Research institutions, companies, universities, museums and libraries can bring international talent on board with a J-1 visa. We sponsor the exchange and guide you through the host profile and the paperwork.

Talk to us about hosting

Questions and answers

How is this different from the J-1 internship or traineeship?
The internship and traineeship are for students and recent graduates. The scholar categories are for experienced academics, professionals and specialists who research, teach or share advanced expertise. Different eligibility, different durations.
How long can I stay?
Research Scholar and Professor run from three weeks up to five years. Specialist runs up to one year. Short-Term Scholar runs up to six months.
Are there waiting periods between programs?
Research Scholar and Professor carry a twelve month bar before starting and a twenty four month wait before repeating, with some exceptions. Short-Term Scholar has no waiting period and does not trigger those rules.
What do you need to check my eligibility?
Your CV and a short description of the planned role at your US host. That is enough for us to confirm the right category, free of charge.
Do I need to find a US host first?
A confirmed host is part of the application. If you already have one, we move straight to the eligibility check. If you are still in conversation, talk to us and we will guide the timing.
What about health insurance?
A J-1 visa requires health insurance for the full program. A compliant basic plan is included in the price. Many hosts, especially universities, already insure their guests. In that case we check that their plan meets the J-1 standard. If you want broader cover, you can add a more comprehensive plan at cost.