Important Notices
Through the Government Visitor program, distinguished international visitors develop and strengthen professional and personal relationships with their American counterparts in U.S. federal, state or local government agencies.
You MUST have a Program Serial Number that starts with G-1, G-2, G-3 or G-7 to qualify for this specific type of J1 visa. This page provides information about the Government Sponsored J1 Visa and guidance on how to apply.
The Department of State has waived, through to December 31, 2023, the in-person interview requirement J visa applicants, subject to certain conditions. Please follow instructions to apply. (PDF 155 KB)
Required Documents
You are required to submit the following documents in support of your visa application. Do not pay the MRV, SEVIS and an issuance fee, as we are unable to refund these fees.
Form DS-160 Passport Photograph Original Form DS-2019 Express Post SatchelPrint the confirmation page of the electronic visa application Form DS-160
Your passport must be valid and undamaged. Passports must be valid for six (6) months beyond the date the traveler will exit the United States. However, the United States has signed agreements with a number of countries (including Australia and New Zealand) to waive this requirement. When such an agreement is in place, the passport must be valid for the entire period of the visitor’s intended stay, but the additional six month validity period is not required
All our photo policies apply to both adults and children under age 16. We have a few exceptions to our photo policies for infants. If the photo upload fails, you must submit one (1) printed photo in the format explained in the photograph requirements.
Original Form DS-2019
Program Serial Number must start with G-1, G-2, G-3 or G-7
Sign and date the DS-2019
Express Post Satchel
This is to be used for the return of your passport and U.S. visa.
Envelopes/satchels from courier services/companies other than Australia Post will not be accepted.
You must self-address the satchel.
Additional Information
Dependents What is the Two Year Rule? Federal Government Representatives Fulbright Program J-VisasIf your dependents will be accompanying you to the United States on your J1 visa, they will be applying for a J2 visa.
In addition to the other required documents, spouses must include a copy of their Marriage Certificate and children must include a copy of their Birth Certificate from the applicable Court or Registrar offices of the country where the marriage took place.
The certificate must bear an original seal of that issuing office.
Please note that the ceremonial marriage certificate that is signed on the day of the wedding is insufficient for nonimmigrant visa purposes
What is the Two Year Rule?
When you agree to participate in an Exchange Visitor Program you will be subject to the two-year home-country foreign residency requirement if your exchange program is funded by either your government or the U.S. government, involves specialized knowledge or skills deemed necessary by your home country or you received graduate medical training. If this requirement applies, you must return to your home country for a cumulative total of two years at the end of your exchange visitor program. You are not prohibited from traveling to the United States but may not benefit from certain employment-based or family-based visas until the foreign residency requirement is satisfied.
Federal Government Representatives
Applicants representing their Federal Governement to participate in an IVLP program are required to apply for the A2 visa
Interview
An appointment request may be made by forwarding a copy of your DS-160 confirmation page and DS-2019 indicating a Program Serial Number starting with G-1, G-2, G-3 or G-7
U.S. Consulate General, Melbourne U.S. Consulate General, Perth U.S. Consulate General, Sydney