J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa – Government Visitors

1. Definition of J-1 Government Visitor. 22 C.F.R. § 62.4 (h).

A J-1 Exchange Government Visitor is an individual who is an influential or distinguished person, selected by a U.S. federal, state, or local government agency for consultation, observation, training, or demonstration of special skills in the United States.

2. Purpose of J-1 Government Visitor Program. 22 C.F.R. § 62.29 (a).

The J-1 government visitor category is for the exclusive use of U.S. federal, state, or local government agencies. Foreign nationals who participate in this J-1 category take part in observation tours, discussions, consultation, professional meetings, conferences, workshops, and travel.

The J-1 Government Visitor category is for people-to-people programs designed to enable government visitors to better understand American culture and society, and to contribute to enhanced American knowledge of foreign cultures. The objective is to develop and strengthen professional and personal ties between key foreign nationals and Americans and American institutions.

The J-1 government visitor program is open to editors, business and professional persons, government officials, labor leaders, and similarly distinguished persons.

3. Criteria for J-1 Government Visitor. 22 C.F.R. § 62.29 (d).

In order to qualify for the J-1 Government Visitor Visa, an individual must be:

  • Selected by a U.S. federal, state, and local government agency;
  • Engaged in consultation, observation, training, or demonstration of special skills; and
  • An influential or distinguished person.

4. Location of J-1 Government Visitor Activity. 22 C.F.R. § 62.29 (g).

The J-1 government visitor may only participate in an exchange visitor program at the locations listed on his or her Form DS-2019.

5. Duration of J-1 Government Visitor Participation. 22 C.F.R. § 62.29 (h).

The government visitor can participate in an Exchange Visitor Program for up to eighteen months.

6. J-1 Government Visitor Sponsor Obligations. 22 C.F.R. § 62.29 (e).

Before the beginning of the program, the J-1 Government Visitor Sponsor must provide the government visitor with:

  • Information on the length and location(s) of his or her exchange visitor program;
  • A summary of the significant components of the program; and
  • A written statement which clearly states the stipend, if any, to be paid to the government visitor.