Information About Student & Exchange Visitors Visas

Exchange Visitor Visas

Exchange Visitor ("J") visas are available for persons traveling to the U.S. on approved student, work, or cultural exchange programs. Applicants must meet the requirements of the particular program which he or she has been offered and receive an approved form DS-2019 (former IAP-66) from the Program Administrator before applying for a visa.

The original DS-2019 must accompany the visa application. It will be attached to the passport together with the visa sticker. The DS-2019 is a part of the Exchange Visitor Visa and should be retained in the passport for the duration of the visitor's stay in the U.S.

Au Pair Visas

Applicants who wish to work in the U.S. as an au pair or nanny should contact an authorized representative of the U.S. Au Pair Cultural Exchange Program. That representative is responsible for admitting applicants to the program and for issuing the IAP- 66 forms which any prospective au pair will need to apply for an Exchange Visitor Visa. It is not legal to work in the U.S. as an au pair on a tourist, business, or student visa.
More on Exchange Visitor (J) Visas
Catalog of State Designated Exchange Visitor Program Sponsors
Additional Resources

Applying for a Visa - Instructions and Procedures