Your Rights and Responsibilities as a J-1 Exchange Visitor

If you’re reading this, you’re probably getting ready to start your J-1 exchange program, or you’re already here and want to make sure you understand how everything works. Either way, we’re glad you’re here.

The J-1 visa exists to create meaningful cultural and professional exchanges between the U.S. and people from around the world. But like any visa program, it comes with rules, protections, and expectations. 

Understanding what you’re entitled to and what’s expected of you isn’t just about making sure your experience is safe, fair, and genuinely valuable. When you know your rights and take your responsibilities seriously, you set yourself up for success. Let’s walk through what that looks like.

Your Core Rights as a J-1 Exchange Visitor

First, let’s talk about what you’re entitled to!

Fair treatment and respect

You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect throughout your program. Your host organization, whether it’s a company, school, or another institution, should provide a safe, professional environment. If you’re participating in an internship or training program, your work should match what was described in your DS-7002 training plan. 

If you’re a teacher or researcher, your position should align with what you agreed to before arriving. Discrimination based on your nationality, race, gender, religion, or any other protected characteristic is not acceptable. If something doesn’t feel right, you’re allowed to speak up.

Transparency about your program

Before you arrived in the U.S., you should have received clear information about your program: where you’d be working or studying, what your responsibilities would be, how long the program lasts, and what kind of stipend or compensation you’d receive (if any). That transparency should continue throughout your stay.

If your host organization wants to change your training plan, work location, or housing arrangements, they need to inform both you and your sponsor. You shouldn’t be surprised by sudden changes that weren’t discussed or approved.

Access to your sponsor

You have the right to contact your sponsor whenever you need to. As a designated J1 visa sponsor, we’re required to provide you with all the support you need and help you resolve problems. If you ever feel unsafe, confused about program rules, or unsure whether something is allowed, reach out. That’s what we’re here for.

Timely payment and proper working conditions

If your program includes paid work or a stipend, you have the right to receive that payment on time and in the amount agreed upon. Your host organization must follow U.S. labor laws, including minimum wage requirements if applicable. You should also receive any benefits that were promised, like housing assistance or health insurance.

Speaking of insurance: you’re required to have health coverage that meets Department of State standards, and your host or sponsor should make sure that’s in place before you arrive. 

The right to report concerns

If your rights are being violated, you have the right to report it. You can come to your sponsor first, and they’ll work with you to address the situation. If needed, you can also contact the Department of State directly.

You should never feel trapped or afraid to speak up. The J-1 program is designed to protect you, and there are systems in place to help when things go wrong.

Related: The Role of J-1 Sponsors in Ensuring Program Success

Your Responsibilities During the Program

Rights come with responsibilities. To stay in good standing and make the most of your time here, there are expectations you need to meet.

Maintain your visa status

Your J-1 visa allows you to be in the U.S. for a specific purpose and a specific period of time. You need to follow the terms of your program exactly as outlined in your DS-2019 form. That means participating in the activities described in your training or program plan, staying at your approved location, and leaving the U.S. on or before your program end date unless you’ve received approval to extend.

You cannot work outside of your approved program. If you’re a J-1 Intern, you can’t take a side job at a restaurant or drive for a rideshare company. If you’re a teacher, you can’t take on freelance tutoring that wasn’t part of your exchange agreement. Unauthorized employment is a serious violation that can result in your program being terminated.

Follow program rules and show up

This sounds simple, but it’s important: participate fully in your program. Attend work or training as scheduled. Meet the expectations your host organization has set. Complete the learning objectives or tasks outlined in your plan.

If you’re sick or need time off, communicate that to your host and follow their procedures. If something comes up that might affect your ability to participate, let your host and your sponsor know as soon as possible. 

Report changes promptly

Your DS-2019 and SEVIS records need to reflect accurate information at all times. If anything changes during your program, you must report it. That includes:

• A new home address
• A change in your phone number or email
• A new supervisor at your host site
• Any change to your program activities or location
• Plans to travel outside the U.S. (you’ll need a travel signature on your DS-2019)

These updates aren’t optional. Failing to report changes can put your visa status at risk and create compliance problems for your host and sponsor.

Follow U.S. laws and local rules

This should go without saying, but while you’re in the U.S., you need to follow all federal, state, and local laws. That includes traffic laws, housing regulations, and any other legal requirements. If you’re arrested or charged with a crime, that’s something you must report to your sponsor immediately.

You should also respect the rules of your host organization and your housing provider. If your apartment complex has quiet hours or your workplace has a dress code, follow them.

Engage with American culture

You’re encouraged to participate in community activities, attend local events, and build connections with Americans. Many host organizations and sponsors organize cultural outings or volunteer opportunities. Take advantage of them.

Sharing your own culture is part of the exchange, too. When you talk about your home country, teach someone a phrase in your language, or cook a traditional meal for your host family or colleagues, you’re fulfilling one of the core purposes of the program.

Related: Finding The Best J-1 Visa Sponsor 

How We Support You

We take our role as your sponsor seriously. Our job is to make sure your program runs smoothly, that you’re safe and supported, and that everyone involved: you, your host, and the U.S. government.

Here’s what that looks like in practice. We monitor your program through regular check-ins. We’ll reach out periodically to see how things are going, and we expect to hear from you if anything changes. We also stay in close contact with your host organization to make sure they’re meeting their obligations.

We manage your SEVIS record and keep the Department of State informed about your program status. When you arrive, when you travel, when your program ends—all of that gets reported through SEVIS. We handle that administrative work so you don’t have to, but we need your help keeping the information accurate.

If problems come up, we step in. Maybe your host isn’t providing the training they promised, your housing falls through, or you’re feeling isolated and don’t know where to turn. We’re here to help you navigate those situations and find solutions. We know that moving to a new country can be overwhelming, and we make sure you never feel alone in the process.

We also provide pre-arrival orientations and ongoing resources to help you understand U.S. workplace culture, community norms, and program expectations. If you’re ever unsure about something, ask. We’d rather answer a question than see you accidentally violate a rule because you didn’t know.

What to Do If You Need Help

If something goes wrong or if you’re just not sure about something, contact us first. Send an email, call our office, or use our emergency line if it’s urgent. Explain what’s happening, and we’ll work with you to figure out the next steps.

If your rights are being violated and you don’t feel comfortable coming to us (or if you’ve already talked to us and the issue isn’t resolved), you can contact the Department of State’s J-1 Visa Waiver Program office. They oversee all designated sponsors and can investigate complaints.

You can also reach out to the U.S. Department of Labor if you’re facing wage theft or unsafe working conditions. There are protections in place for you, and using them won’t automatically put your visa at risk. What matters is that you’re honest, that you report problems through proper channels, and that you’re trying to follow the rules.

Moving Forward with Confidence

The J-1 program works best when everyone understands their role. You deserve to be treated fairly, paid properly, and supported throughout your time here. In return, you’re expected to participate fully, follow program rules, and represent your country and the exchange program with integrity.

We’re here to make sure that balance works. When you know your rights, you can advocate for yourself. Take your responsibilities seriously to protect your visa status and make the experience better for everyone. And when we all communicate openly, problems get solved before they become crises. Contact us for more information!