exchange program visas

This visa category is designed for applicants planning to participate in programs approved by the US Department of State to teach, study, research, demonstrate special skills or receive training, or to participate in a program to receive graduate medical education.

The category also includes programs approved by the US Department of State to place people into firms, institutions and other agencies for on-the-job practical training in specialized fields for periods not exceeding 18 months. Attendance at English language programs and seminars, workshops or short courses directly related to the practical training may be allowed. The J visa also enables visitors to travel for observations appropriate to practical training, to train in US techniques and methodology, to contact American counterparts, and to promote cross-cultural contacts between workers, professionals, researchers and students in the general interest of international exchange. This may include camp counselor, seasonal work such as at ski resorts and summer camps or as au pairs.

In order to apply for this type of visa, you must have been accepted into an approved program. Evidence of your acceptance is the form DS-2019, sent directly to you by the US sponsor and registration in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

 

Applicants seeking an exchange program visa, must apply at the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil or the Embassy in Quito, depending on which office has jurisdiction over the applicant's place permanent residence.  The applicant's country of citizenship does not matter as long as he or she resides within the jurisdiction of the Consulate or the Embassy, respectively. To see the jurisdiction of the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil click here.

In order to schedule an interview at the Consulate General in Guayaquil, the applicant must pay a US$ 131 non-refundable fee for each person, regardless of age at the Banco de Guayaquil, and call the Visa Information Service at 1-800-010-145 in Ecuador or at 1-800-919-5290 in the United States.  For more information on the Visa Information Service click here.  On the day of their interview, applicants should come to the U.S. Consulate 30 minutes before the scheduled interview time.

During the interview, applicants must show that they qualify in accordance with U.S. law and prove that they do not intend to remain in the U.S.  For this, applicants should be able to prove that:

1. The purpose of the trip must be consistent with the requirements specified on the exchange program.
2. The trip to the U.S. will last a limited, determined length of time.
   
3. He or she has a residence outside of the United States that he or she does not intend to abandon.
   
   

RESIDENCY RULES

Many programs under the J category are supported partially or wholly by government agencies.  If they are, or if the applicants are to receive graduate medical education or training regardless of source of finances, a condition for accepting a J visa prohibits J visa beneficiaries from applying for immigration to the US and for certain work visas (H and L visas) until the applicants have resided and been physically present in their own country of nationality or last residence for at least two years.  This condition may also apply if the area of study or research is included in a skills list agreed to by the US Department of State and the applicant's government.  Before accepting a J visa, you should inquire if this condition applies.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Applicants must bring the following original documents to their interview:

• Visa Fee receipt obtained at the Banco de Guayaquil.
  
  
• Visa Application - Forms DS-156 (EVAF mandatory starting November 1, 2006)     DS-157, and DS-158 completed and signed.  You can print out the forms under the Non-Immigrant Visa Forms page on this website. 
  
  
• Valid Passport. Passport must be valid for at least six months after the interview date.
  
  
• Prior Passports, if applicable.
  
  
• One 5 cm X 5 cm photograph for each applicant taken within the last six months (the applicant's face on the photograph should measure 3.5 cm from the top of the head to the chin and 2.5 cm from side to side). The photograph must show the applicant's entire face on a white background. Applicants should not wear dark glasses or hats for the photographs.
  
  
• Completed Form DS-2019.
  
  
• SEVIS' fee receipt. For more information please visit www.fmjfee.com
  
  
• Form DS-7002 (A Training/Internship Placement Plan).  All exchange visitor (J visa) trainee or intern visa applicants with DS-2019 forms dated on or after July 19, 2007 (based on Box 7 on form) must also present Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002 when applying for your visa.  If your Form DS-2019 is issued prior to July 19, 2007 a Form DS-7002 is not required.  For more information about the new rules for trainee and intern programs, see the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Exchange Visitor program, Private Sector Programs.
  
  
• Children under 18 must come with both parents or legal guardian, and must bring their birth certificates (we only accept the version that is a photocopy of the registry book, the ‘Libro de Actas’).  Parents must bring their passports only if they have valid visas.  Parents or legal guardians do not need to schedule an appointment, unless they are applying for a visa.
  
  
• Any other evidence or documents to establish your purpose and qualifications as well as the intention to leave the United States after the completion of the program.

Please click here to enter the State Department Bureau of Eduaction and Cultural Affairs

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Regardless of the visa category requested, every applicant should contact the Visa Information Service at
                                                  1-800-010-145 in Ecuador 
                                                  1-800-919-5290 in the U.S.

for information about immigrant or non-immigrant visa processes, or schedule appointments.