J1 Summer Work and Travel Visa Frequently Asked Questions

May I apply for a J1 visa without a J1 company?

Yes, but you must present a DS-2019 form, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, with a SEVIS ID Number as evidence of acceptance in a designated exchange visitor program.

Where should I apply for a J1 if I am a Bulgarian citizen, but study at a university abroad? 

You should apply at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in the country where you study.  While you may apply in Sofia, it will be more difficult for you to prove that you are a bona-fide student.

Where should I apply for a J1 visa if I am not a Bulgarian citizen but study at a Bulgarian university?

You should apply in Sofia.

May I apply for a J1 visa if I was recently refused an H2B, or vice versa?

No, an applicant who was refused a J1 Summer Work/Travel or H2B visa may not apply for either visa within the same season.  An applicant refused either of these visas may apply again only in the next season. 

May I apply for a J1 visa if I was refused another type of non-immigrant US visa?

If your refusal for a visa other than J1 or H2B was in the last 12 months you may reapply only with written permission from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy.  If you wish to request permission to apply for a visa within 12 months of a visa refusal, follow the instructions on the refusal explanation sheet you were given following your interview, and send a letter requesting permission for an interview to the Consular Section.  The Consular Section will inform you if your request has been accepted or denied.   All applicants refused a visa pursuant to Section 214 (b) of U.S. law may reapply for a visa after 12 months from the date of their refusal. 

How many applications for J1 SWT programs may I submit throughout the course of my university studies?

There are no restrictions on the number of repeat J1 visa applications, but you must meet the requirements for participation in the SWT exchange program.

Who is considered a “full time student” with regard to the eligibility for J1 visa for a Work and Travel program?

A student is who is a bona fide foreign post-secondary student currently enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or a full-time course of study at an accredited educational institution, or as that status is defined in the alien’s home country educational system.

Do correspondence students, distant learning students, or students with evening classes programs meet the “full time student” requirement?

No, the above categories are not considered “full time students” for the purposes of the SWT program.

If I am a first or last year academic student can I apply for a J1 visa?

Yes, if you are a “full time student” you may apply; however, it may be more difficult for you to show sufficient ties to your country of residence.

What does the annotation on my J1 visa mean “Not subject to 212(e), the two year home country rule does not apply”?

Certain exchange visitor programs require that the alien return to their home country (or country of last residence) and reside there for a period of two years in order to be eligible for certain visa categories. The SWT program is not subject to this rule.