J-1 Exchange Visitors

The J-1 Exchange Visitor program was founded as part of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (The Fulbright–Hays Act) and falls under the purview of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Its stated purpose is: “to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange.” The J-1 Exchange Visitor immigration status allows for individuals to participate in cross-cultural, academic and learning experiences in the U.S. with a designated Program Sponsor on a temporary and non-immigrant basis. The Department of State provides more information about the J-1 Exchange Visitor program on its BridgeUSA Website.

You can also read The Exchange Visitor Program Participant Welcome Brochure that contains contact information for the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program.

Johns Hopkins acts as a J-1 Program Sponsor for J-1 Exchange Visitors to participate in academic and cross-cultural activities across our campuses within the U.S. All participants in our J-1 Exchange Visitor program are required to abide by the federal regulations pertaining to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program as well as by the requirements set forth by Johns Hopkins as a J-1 program sponsor.