Brazilian applicants · United States of America
J-1 Exchange Visitor for Brazilian citizens
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 general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 2 weeks – 3 months
- 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
2 weeks – 3 months
J-1 consular processing: 2–12 weeks. Sponsorship by a DOS-designated J-1 program is a pre-requisite.
Verified 1 June 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.
- ✓English-language and funding thresholds applicable to the program category.
- ✓Health insurance meeting State Department minimums.
Common blockers
- !Triggered 212(e) two-year home-residency requirement where applicable.
- !Program category that restricts permitted activities (e.g. intern vs trainee).
Typical evidence
- ·DS-2019 from sponsor.
- ·Funding statements and insurance evidence.
- ·Evidence of non-immigrant intent.
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.
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 and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Brazilian applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: US E-1/E-2 Treaty. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
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?+
The typical published decision window is 2 weeks – 3 months. Brazilian applicants usually file via São Paulo / Rio de Janeiro / Brasília, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: DOS — Exchange Visitor (J-1), verified 1 June 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.