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J

Exchangevisitor visa

The J visa is for approved exchange programmes, from Work and Travel to research and teaching.

Exchange programmes are run by sponsors designated by the US government. Once a sponsor accepts you, it sends you Form DS-2019, which you need for the visa.

Is this your visa?

Who it is for

  • Summer Work and Travel for university students
  • Internships and trainee programmes
  • Au pair programmes
  • Researchers, professors and teachers
  • Medical and other professional exchanges

Some J visitors must return home for two years after the programme before they can apply for certain other US visas. The consul notes on your visa whether this applies to you.

What you will need

  • Form DS-2019 from your programme sponsor
  • The receipt for the SEVIS fee, unless your programme is exempt
  • A passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay
  • The DS-160 confirmation page and the application fee receipt
  • Papers about your programme, your studies or work and your plans to return

Costs

Application fee

185 US$ ≈ 9,250 TL

Per person, paid to the authorities, not refundable.

SEVIS fee

220 US$ ≈ 11,000 TL

For most exchange visitors; some government programmes are exempt.

Interview

2 posts

At the US Embassy in Ankara or the Consulate General in Istanbul. Waiting times differ between the two.

Government fees change. Check the current amounts on the official fee page before you pay, and pay only through official channels. Official source

TL amounts are approximate, converted at the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (TCMB) US dollar selling rate of 03.11.2026: 1 US$ = 50.00 TL. The official visa fee is paid in TL at the US consular exchange rate on the day of payment, so the amount you pay may differ.

From Türkiye, step by step

  1. Get your DS-2019

    From the designated sponsor of your exchange programme.

  2. Pay the SEVIS fee

    Online, unless your programme is exempt.

  3. Complete the DS-160 and pay

    Then pay the application fee through the official channel.

  4. Book the interview

    In Ankara or Istanbul. Work and Travel season brings high demand, so book early.

  5. Attend the interview

    Bring your DS-2019, SEVIS receipt and programme papers.

J

How VISADOX helps

Start your application

Silver Pass 150 US$ ≈ 7,500 TL

  • Visa type guidance
  • Document checklist
  • DS-160 review
  • Appointment scheduling

Gold Pass 200 US$ ≈ 10,000 TL

  • Everything in Silver
  • DS-160 completed for you
  • Full document review
  • Passport pickup and delivery
  • Interview preparation

Questions about this visa

Is Work and Travel a J visa?

Yes. The Summer Work and Travel programme for university students runs on the J-1 visa through a designated sponsor.

Can my family come with me?

Your spouse and children under 21 can apply for J-2 visas, if your programme allows it.

Other visa types

F/M

Student visa

University, college, high school, language school and vocational programmes.

H, L, O

Work visa

Specialty occupations, company transfers and people with extraordinary ability.

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