J-1 Visa Guide for Fulbright Scholars
The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa has its own rules, restrictions and requirements that differ from student visas. Here is the document checklist and what Fulbright grantees pay.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
2 min read
Updated Oct 5, 2026
J-1 Visa Basics
U.S.-bound Fulbright grantees travel on the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa, which has its own rules and restrictions that differ significantly from student (F-1) visas. Your DS-2019 form is issued by IIE after final approval.
Fulbright is a U.S. government-sponsored program, so its DS-2019 carries a program number beginning G-1, G-2, G-3 or G-7. That means no visa application fee and no SEVIS I-901 fee for you or your J-2 dependents. (Other J-1 visitors pay a $220 SEVIS fee.)
J-1 Visa Document Checklist
Gather these before your embassy interview.
Completed: 0 of 10 — all items completed. You are ready.
New since 15 September 2026: a fixed period of stay
A DHS rule replaces “duration of status” for J-1 exchange visitors and F-1 students. If you enter the US after 15 September 2026, you are admitted until the program end date on your DS-2019, for at most four years; staying longer requires an extension of stay with USCIS. Grantees already in the US have up to four years under the old terms. The rule is subject to congressional review, so confirm the current position with your Fulbright commission or program sponsor before you travel. Source: DHS final rule, Federal Register, 17 July 2026.
Screening and entry restrictions
Since June 2025, consular officers review the online presence of all F, M and J applicants, and you are asked to set your social media profiles to public (State Department, 18 June 2025). Apply for your visa early.
Since 1 January 2026, a presidential proclamation fully or partly suspends visa issuance, including J visas, for nationals of a list of countries, with limited exceptions. If your country is on the list, ask your commission or U.S. Embassy how it affects your grant before you resign from a job or make travel plans.
Know the Two-Year Rule
Two-year rule →Fulbright J-1 visas come with the two-year home residency requirement. Read it before you travel so there are no surprises when your program ends.