Brazilian applicants · United States of America
J-1 Exchange Visitor for Brazilian citizens
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Exchange visitor visa covering academic scholars, students, trainees, interns, researchers, au pairs, and other exchange programs.
This page covers the J-1 Exchange Visitor specifically for Brazilian applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Brazil. The route's general criteria are summarised below, but the current corridor-specific filing, visa-issuance, and entry position above can still determine whether the route is usable.
- Processing time
- No fixed national clock publishedUse the current DOS — Exchange Visitor (J-1) service for the responsible mission, service centre, authority or live processing-time tool before applying.
- Government fees
- SEVIS I-901 USD 220; DS-160 USD 185; sponsor program fees additional.
- Typical duration
- Program-dependent: from weeks (intern) to up to 5 years (research scholar).
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
- US E-1/E-2 Treaty
Consular processing: São Paulo / Rio de Janeiro / Brasília
Tourist entry vs. this route
Brazilian nationals require a visa for any entry into United States of America. The J-1 Exchange Visitor is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Key figures for Brazilian applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
No fixed national clock published
DOS — Exchange Visitor (J-1) does not publish one fixed, route-wide end-to-end processing time that can be stated responsibly for this application route.
Use the current DOS — Exchange Visitor (J-1) service for the responsible mission, service centre, authority or live processing-time tool before applying.
Verified 10 September 2026 · DOS — Exchange Visitor (J-1)
Visa overview
The J-1 visa covers a diverse set of exchange programs administered by designated sponsors, ranging from university research (professor/research scholar) to short-term internships, work-and-travel, au-pair, and physician training. Some J-1 programs carry a two-year home-country physical presence requirement (INA 212(e)).
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Acceptance into a designated exchange program with issued Form DS-2019.U.S. Department of State ↗
- ✓English-language and funding thresholds applicable to the program category.
- ✓Health insurance meeting State Department minimums.U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (BridgeUSA/Exchange Visitor Program) ↗
Common blockers
- !Triggered 212(e) two-year home-residency requirement where applicable.U.S. Department of State ↗
- !Program category that restricts permitted activities (e.g. intern vs trainee).
Typical evidence
- ·DS-2019 from sponsor.U.S. Department of State ↗
- ·Funding statements and insurance evidence.
- ·Evidence of non-immigrant intent.U.S. Department of State ↗
Application pathway
Secure placement with designated sponsor
Program sponsor issues DS-2019.
Pay SEVIS and DS-160, attend interview
Consular interview and visa issuance.
Complete program
Activities governed by program category rules.
Address 212(e) if applicable
Satisfy or waive two-year home-residency requirement before changing status.
Plan the practical side of your stay
Once you have checked the official route, you can prepare for day-to-day life in United States. These optional services are separate from the application and do not establish visa eligibility.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceSponsorUse J-1 sponsor process ↗
Designated sponsors and participants use this State Department site for J-1 category rules and DS-2019 process guidance.
U.S. Department of State · verified
- ApplyApplicantComplete DS-160 ↗
J-1 participants use DS-160 after receiving DS-2019 to apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate.
U.S. Department of State · verified
Other United States of America routes covered for Brazilian applicants
O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, athletics (O-1A) or the arts/film/television (O-1B).
EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers
Third-preference employment-based green card requiring employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
Permanent residence through investment in a new US commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs.
F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT)
Non-immigrant student visa for academic study at a SEVP-certified institution, with post-study OPT employment authorisation.
K-1 Fiancé(e) of US Citizen
Non-immigrant visa allowing the fiancé(e) of a US citizen to enter the US to marry within 90 days and then apply for a green card.
Not sure United States of America is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer study routes that Brazilian nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Brazilian citizens eligible for the J-1 Exchange Visitor?+
Eligibility for the J-1 Exchange Visitor is set by U.S. Department of State. Brazilian applicants must meet the general route criteria plus any nationality- or location-specific intake requirements described in the current corridor guidance above.
Where do Brazilian applicants typically file the J-1 Exchange Visitor?+
São Paulo / Rio de Janeiro / Brasília. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by U.S. Department of State — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Brazilian applicants need a tourist visa for United States of America as well?+
Brazilian nationals require a visa for any entry into United States of America. The J-1 Exchange Visitor is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
How long does the J-1 Exchange Visitor take to process from Brazil?+
DOS — Exchange Visitor (J-1) does not publish one fixed, route-wide end-to-end processing time that can be stated responsibly for this application route. Use the current DOS — Exchange Visitor (J-1) service for the responsible mission, service centre, authority or live processing-time tool before applying. Brazilian applicants usually file via São Paulo / Rio de Janeiro / Brasília, and appointment or post-specific backlogs can add to the wait. Source: DOS — Exchange Visitor (J-1), verified 10 September 2026.
What is the J-1 two-year home residency rule?+
INA 212(e) requires some J-1 visitors to return to and be physically present in their home country for two years before becoming eligible for H, L, or immigrant status. It applies based on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, government funding, or graduate medical training. Waivers are available on specific grounds.
How we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: U.S. Department of State
Last checked: 8 July 2026