The Department of State’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is a work and study based exchange program created to further mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of other countries. More than 350,000 J-1 visa visitors come to the United States each year, including high school and university students, au pairs, physicians, researchers and summer work travelers. J-1Exchange Visitor Program participants gain skills and knowledge, as well as a better understanding of the United States and its people, then return home to share their experiences. The State Department works with 1400 private sector sponsors to administer the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program.
The new website will make it easier for potential visitors, as well as program sponsors and host families to find the information they need. The look and navigation of the new site reflects state-of-the-art Web design and plain language instructions on how to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program. The site features descriptions of each of the Exchange Visitor program categories, and provides video testimonials of the Exchange Visitor Program experience to potential participants; giving them crucial insights into what the programs are like. The site offers plain language descriptions of all of the Exchange Visitor Program categories so that individuals can find which category is right for them, as well as clear instructions on how to apply. The site is designed to perform well in either low or high bandwidth environments. Information for visa seekers is easily accessible in mobile, low bandwidth, and high bandwidth environments. The site also features an interactive map of the United States for individuals interested in finding out, state by state, how many participants and sponsors are involved in the Exchange Visitor Program. For comprehensive information regarding how to apply for a J-1 visa, the site will link to the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov.
