Documents you'll need
| Document | Details | Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months, with a copy of the photo page | Required |
| DS-160 form | Completed online and checked by us | We prepare |
| Photo | Recent colour passport photo | Required |
| Interview appointment | At the US Embassy in London or Consulate in Belfast | We prepare |
| Form DS-2019 | Issued by your programme sponsor | Required |
| SEVIS fee receipt | Proof you have paid the SEVIS fee | Required |
| Programme details | Your placement offer or programme letter | Required |
We give you a full checklist for your circumstances at your consultation.
How the J-1 visa works
You first need a place on a programme run by a US-designated sponsor, which issues your Form DS-2019. You then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend an interview. Some J-1 visitors must return home for two years after their programme.
The US visa interview
Most US visas involve the online DS-160 form, paying the visa fee, and an interview at the US Embassy in London or the US Consulate in Belfast. Every answer on the DS-160 must be accurate and match your documents. We prepare your form and tell you what to take to the interview.
Common J-1 visa programmes
J-1 programmes cover many kinds of exchange, including:
- Summer camp counsellors and summer work and travel
- Interns and trainees with US companies
- Au pairs living with US families
- Research scholars, professors and short-term scholars
- Teachers and students on exchange schemes
Each programme has its own rules on length of stay and work, set by your sponsor.
J-1 visa help from Manchester
We're based in Manchester city centre and help travellers and businesses across the UK. We check the rules for your passport, prepare your application and keep you updated until it's decided.
Before you travel to the United States
Check the UK government’s travel advice for the United States before you book, and again shortly before you go. It covers safety, local laws, health risks and the latest entry rules.
- Passport: most countries expect it to be valid for at least six months after you arrive, with blank pages for stamps. If yours is close to expiry, renew it first.
- Health: check the NHS fitfortravel website for the United States at least eight weeks before you travel, in case you need vaccinations or malaria tablets. Some countries ask for a yellow fever certificate if you’ve recently been somewhere with yellow fever.
- Insurance: take out travel insurance that covers medical treatment and getting you home, and check it’s valid for the United States.
- Bookings: carry copies of your return ticket and accommodation, as border officers can ask to see them.
We go through the entry requirements for your passport when we prepare your application, so you know exactly what to carry.
How we help
- Check your eligibility and confirm the right route at your consultation
- Give you a personalised document checklist
- Prepare and complete your application forms
- Review all evidence against the current rules before submission
- Keep you updated until you have a decision
Fees and timescales
| Service | Visa length | Embassy fee (incl. VAT) | Our fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Application completed and documents checked | Ask us | – | Call for price | – |
The embassy fee includes the visa centre charges and VAT. It can depend on your nationality and the number of entries, so we confirm it before you pay.
Returning your passport
| Delivery option | Price |
|---|---|
| Special Delivery | £15 |
| Special Delivery by 9am | £45 |
| Saturday Guaranteed | £55 |
| Saturday by 9am | £65 |
| Courier | We’ll quote |
Common questions
What is a DS-2019?
The form your J-1 programme sponsor issues to confirm your place. You need it to apply.
Can I work on a J-1 visa?
Only as part of your approved programme.
How long does a J-1 visa take?
Processing times vary with the authority and the time of year. Apply as early as you can, and don’t book non-refundable travel until your visa or authorisation is approved.
Can you help with my J-1 visa application?
Yes. We check which visa fits your trip, prepare your J-1 visa application and documents, and keep you updated. Contact us or call 0161 956 2003.