J-1 exchange visitor visa: photo and application guide
Cultural and educational exchange programmes including au pair, summer work travel, research scholar, intern and physician.
Quick answer
2 × 2 inch photo · DS-160 · $185 application fee + $220 SEVIS I-901 fee
Prepare a 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) biometric photo on a plain white background. File the DS-160 plus SEVIS I-901 fee and Form DS-2019 from the programme sponsor and pay $185 application fee + $220 SEVIS I-901 fee. Processing time 2–6 weeks at consulate. Interview: Yes for most categories; some sponsor-driven applications waive interview. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Cultural and educational exchange programmes including au pair, summer work travel, research scholar, intern and physician. |
| Application form | DS-160 plus SEVIS I-901 fee and Form DS-2019 from the programme sponsor |
| Fee | $185 application fee + $220 SEVIS I-901 fee |
| Processing time | 2–6 weeks at consulate |
| Interview | Yes for most categories; some sponsor-driven applications waive interview |
| Official portal | US Department of State — J-1 exchange visitor visa ↗ |
Photo specification
The J-1 exchange visitor visa uses the shared US visa photo standard. The same photo file works for DS-160 upload and the printed copy at the consulate appointment.
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain white or off-white, even illumination |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears visible when possible |
| Expression | Neutral or natural closed-mouth smile |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since 2016 except medical exemption) |
| Digital file | JPEG, minimum 600 × 600 pixels (1:1 aspect), maximum 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the J-1 exchange visitor visa
J-1 includes a wide range of sub-categories with different requirements. Some J-1 categories carry a 2-year home-residency requirement after the programme ends — the visa sticker shows this in the annotations. A J-1 visa photo is identical to other US non-immigrant visa photos.
Frequently asked questions about the J-1 exchange visitor visa
What size photo do I need for a J-1 exchange visitor visa?
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The J-1 exchange visitor visa uses the same photo specification as all other US consular visas: square format, plain white background, head 1 to 1⅜ inches chin to crown.
What form do I file for a J-1 exchange visitor visa?
DS-160 plus SEVIS I-901 fee and Form DS-2019 from the programme sponsor. The form is filed online; the photo is uploaded as part of the same submission.
How much does the J-1 exchange visitor visa cost?
$185 application fee + $220 SEVIS I-901 fee. Photo and document preparation costs are separate.
How long does the J-1 exchange visitor visa take to process?
2–6 weeks at consulate. Plan the photo within the last 6 months but not earlier — a stale photo from before significant appearance change creates trouble at the appointment.
Is the J-1 exchange visitor visa interview mandatory?
Yes for most categories; some sponsor-driven applications waive interview. The biometric photo is captured at the interview alongside fingerprints; bring the digital file plus one printed 2 × 2 inch photo.
Other US visa categories
Prepare your J-1 exchange visitor visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the 2 × 2 inch crop, white background and DS-160-ready file size automatically.