Understanding the J-1 Visa

The J-1 visa includes several categories depending on the purpose of your travel, such as:
👩‍🎓 Exchange students, 👨‍🏫 Internship participants, 👩‍🔬 Researchers, and more.

👉 Identify the specific type of J-1 visa you need, such as:

  • J-1 Internship
  • J-1 Trainee
  • J-1 Work and Travel ✈️

📑 Prepare Your Documents

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
  • DS-2019 form, the key document issued by your program sponsor
  • DS-160 form, the online visa application
  • SEVIS fee payment receipt
  • Passport-size photo that meets U.S. Embassy requirements

🎤 Get Ready for the Visa Interview

  • Practice common interview questions such as:
    • Why are you joining the program?
    • What are your travel plans?
    • What will you do after the program ends?
  • Work on your English communication skills
  • Dress professionally, show confidence, and answer questions honestly

💡 Additional Tips

  • Arrive at the U.S. Embassy 15–30 minutes before your appointment time
  • Get enough rest the night before
  • Eat beforehand and stay calm and prepared

🌐 Additional Resources

🔗 U.S. Embassy Bangkok Website