J Visa (Exchange Visitor Visa)

The J visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the U.S. Department of State, Exchange Visitor Program and Designation Staff. The "J" exchange visitor program is designed to promote the interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills in the fields of education, arts, and sciences. Participants include students at all academic levels; trainees obtaining on-the-job training with firms, institutions, and agencies; teachers of primary, secondary, and specialized schools; professors coming to teach or do research at institutions of higher learning; research scholars; professional trainees in the medical and allied fields; and international visitors coming for the purpose of travel, observation, consultation, research, training, sharing, or demonstrating specialized knowledge or skills, or participating in organized people-to-people programs.

Participants in the Exchange Visitor Program are issued Form DS-2019 by our institution. UL Lafayette has three categories of J-1 participants: students, interns, and professors/research scholars.

For exchange visitor opportunities and the process to apply, please click here. For an overview of the J-1 Exchange program, please visit the U.S. Department of State Website.