Transparent J-1 Visa Program Fees & Financial Information
Planning your J-1 exchange experience starts with understanding the costs. We provide clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees so you can prepare confidently for your journey to the United States.
At J1X, we believe financial transparency is essential to your planning process. Whether you're an international teacher, intern, or trainee, understanding all program costs—from initial processing fees to monthly living expenses—helps you make informed decisions about your cultural exchange journey. Our comprehensive fee structure covers sponsor services, mandatory government fees, insurance, and estimated living costs so there are no surprises along the way.
Our teacher program offers competitive pricing for qualified international educators teaching in U.S. K-12 schools. Initial fees include processing, SEVIS, and program insurance with transparent annual renewal costs.
Intern program fees cover processing, sponsorship services, and mandatory insurance for programs lasting 3 weeks to 12 months. Our pricing includes dedicated account management and ongoing support.
All J-1 participants must pay required U.S. government fees including SEVIS ($220) and consular visa application fees ($185). These fees are paid directly to U.S. authorities.
Bringing family members requires additional J-2 processing and insurance fees. We recommend exchange visitors establish themselves before bringing dependents to minimize initial costs.
Teacher Program Fee Breakdown
Initial Sponsor Fees:
- Processing & Academic Fee: $1,500
- Program and Insurance Fee: $95/month (3 months due upfront, remainder billed monthly)
- J-2 Processing Fee: $695 per dependent
- J-2 Program and Insurance Fee: $140/month per dependent (3 months upfront)
Annual Recurring Fees:
- Annual Academic Fee: $1,500 (due May 15)
- Monthly Program and Insurance Fee: $95/month (due 1st of each month)
- Monthly J-2 Insurance: $140/month per dependent
Additional Service Fees:
- Transfer Host School: $695
- Travel Validation: $75 (valid 12 months)
- Extension Beyond 3 Years: Annual Academic Fee + $367 (Department of State fee)
Government Fees:
- SEVIS Fee: $220 (paid to U.S. government)
- DS-160 Visa Application: $185 (paid to U.S. Consulate)
- Reciprocity Fees: Varies by country (when applicable)
Note: Exchange teachers may reduce insurance costs after 90 days by using qualifying host school medical coverage.
Intern/Trainee Program Fee Breakdown
Processing Fees:
- J-1 Processing Fee: $1,495
- SEVIS Fee: $220 (paid to U.S. government)
- Program and Insurance Fee: $125/month (mandatory)
Visa Application Fees:
- DS-160 Application: $185 (paid to U.S. Consulate)
- Country-Specific Reciprocity Fees: Varies (when applicable)
What's Included:
Note: Exchange teachers may reduce insurance costs after 90 days by using qualifying host school medical coverage.
Teacher Program
Teacher Program Fee Breakdown
Initial Sponsor Fees:
- Processing & Academic Fee: $1,500
- Program and Insurance Fee: $95/month (3 months due upfront, remainder billed monthly)
- J-2 Processing Fee: $695 per dependent
- J-2 Program and Insurance Fee: $140/month per dependent (3 months upfront)
Annual Recurring Fees:
- Annual Academic Fee: $1,500 (due May 15)
- Monthly Program and Insurance Fee: $95/month (due 1st of each month)
- Monthly J-2 Insurance: $140/month per dependent
Additional Service Fees:
- Transfer Host School: $695
- Travel Validation: $75 (valid 12 months)
- Extension Beyond 3 Years: Annual Academic Fee + $367 (Department of State fee)
Government Fees:
- SEVIS Fee: $220 (paid to U.S. government)
- DS-160 Visa Application: $185 (paid to U.S. Consulate)
- Reciprocity Fees: Varies by country (when applicable)
Note: Exchange teachers may reduce insurance costs after 90 days by using qualifying host school medical coverage.
Intern/Trainee Program
Intern/Trainee Program Fee Breakdown
Processing Fees:
- J-1 Processing Fee: $1,495
- SEVIS Fee: $220 (paid to U.S. government)
- Program and Insurance Fee: $125/month (mandatory)
Visa Application Fees:
- DS-160 Application: $185 (paid to U.S. Consulate)
- Country-Specific Reciprocity Fees: Varies (when applicable)
What's Included:
Note: Exchange teachers may reduce insurance costs after 90 days by using qualifying host school medical coverage.
Beyond program fees, participants should budget $1,800-$2,500 monthly for housing, utilities, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Costs vary significantly by location—urban areas typically cost more.
Teachers should anticipate 20-30% tax withholding, potential union dues ($400-$1,000 annually), optional health benefits ($50-$100 per pay period), and licensing/certification costs ($75-$150).
Budget for credential evaluations ($100+), background checks ($50-$75), licensing exams ($50-$150 per test), and translation services ($100+) as required by your program and state.
Unlike many J-1 sponsors, we provide complete fee disclosure upfront. There are no hidden costs, surprise charges, or ambiguous pricing structures. Every fee serves a specific purpose in supporting your successful exchange experience—from compliance monitoring and dedicated account management to comprehensive insurance coverage and 24/7 emergency support. We believe you deserve to know exactly what you're paying for and why.
What Our Fees Support:
- Dedicated account manager assigned to your case
- Industry-leading 48-hour visa processing
- Comprehensive pre-arrival orientation and training
- Ongoing compliance support throughout your program
- 24/7 emergency assistance and guidance
- Access to Orion visa management platform
- Host organization vetting and support services
- Cultural activity programming and resources
- Regulatory monitoring and reporting
- Repatriation coverage and medical evacuation insurance
Some international teachers work with third-party recruitment agents who provide placement services, interview preparation, housing assistance, and credential evaluation support. These agents typically charge $2,000-$2,500 for placement services, though costs can exceed $5,000 with additional services. While agents can provide valuable support, J1X encourages you to carefully review agent agreements, understand all fees upfront, and evaluate which services genuinely benefit your specific situation before signing contracts.
J1X Approved Partner Agents (2024-2025):
- Minga House Foundation
- Teach Beyond
Use online budgeting tools to estimate expenses in your specific U.S. city or region. Regional variations can significantly impact your monthly budget and financial planning.
Understanding U.S. tax obligations is essential. Review IRS Publication 519 for exchange visitor tax information and use state withholding calculators to estimate take-home pay accurately.
Our pricing reflects exceptional value when compared to industry standards. While maintaining competitive fee structures, we deliver faster processing times, more personalized support, and superior technology access than larger sponsors. Our 48-hour processing guarantee, dedicated account manager model, and transparent pricing set us apart in an industry where hidden fees and delayed processing are common complaints.
Are there any hidden fees in your pricing?
No. J1X provides complete fee transparency. All sponsor fees, government charges, and estimated additional costs are disclosed upfront. The only variables are government reciprocity fees (which depend on your nationality) and third-party services you choose independently, such as recruitment agents or additional insurance coverage.
Can I get a refund if my visa is denied?
Refund eligibility depends on the program stage when denial occurs. If denial happens before we issue Form DS-2019, partial refunds may be available minus administrative costs. After DS-2019 issuance, fees are generally non-refundable as sponsorship services have been rendered. Complete refund policies are detailed in your program agreement.
Do you offer payment plans or financial assistance?
We offer structured payment plans for initial fees with monthly insurance billing to ease financial burden. While J1X doesn't provide scholarships or grants directly, we maintain partnerships with organizations that offer financial assistance to qualified exchange visitors. Contact us to discuss payment options for your specific situation.
What happens if I need to extend my program?
Program extensions require additional processing. Teachers extending beyond three years pay the annual academic fee plus a $367 Department of State fee. Intern/trainee extensions depend on program category maximums. All extensions require compliance review and cannot exceed regulatory limits. Contact your account manager early to discuss extension eligibility and associated costs.
How do monthly insurance payments work?
Program insurance is mandatory and billed monthly through automatic payment. Initial enrollment requires three months upfront payment, with remaining months charged on the first of each month. Teachers using qualifying host school insurance may reduce coverage to repatriation/evacuation-only policies after 90 days, lowering monthly costs.
What's included in the J-1 processing fee?
Your processing fee covers comprehensive sponsorship services including application review, eligibility verification, dedicated account manager assignment, Form DS-2019 preparation and issuance, pre-arrival orientation, compliance monitoring, access to our Orion platform, ongoing support throughout your program, and emergency assistance. This fee does not include government charges (SEVIS, visa application) or insurance.
Are taxes included in the listed fees?
No. Tax obligations are separate from program fees. Exchange visitors have U.S. tax withholding requirements that vary by visa category, tax treaty eligibility, and state. Teachers typically see 20-30% withholding per paycheck. Interns and trainees should consult tax professionals about their specific obligations under IRS Publication 519.
How much should I budget for living expenses?
Budget $1,800-$2,500 monthly for basic living expenses nationally, though this varies significantly by location. Major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston cost considerably more, while smaller towns and rural areas cost less. Use cost-of-living calculators specific to your placement location for accurate estimates. Don't forget one-time costs like deposits, initial furnishings, and professional licensing.
What support does J1X provide to host schools?
We provide candidate screening, visa processing, orientation, compliance guidance, dedicated account management, and ongoing support throughout the program.
What are the total costs for teachers participating in the program?
Initial fees include $1,500 processing/academic fee, $220 SEVIS fee, and $95 monthly program insurance. Additional costs include visa fees, licensing, and living expenses. Third-party placement agent fees vary.
Ready to Begin Your J-1 Exchange Journey?
Understanding the investment required is the first step toward your international experience. Our team is here to answer your specific questions about program costs, payment options, and financial planning strategies.
