SERVICE FEES

Downloading the DS-2019 information: free of charge

Processing fee of the DS-2019 application: Euro 60,- (in cash or online with PayPal or money transfer with Western Union)

Issuing the DS-2019 form:
US$ 550 for internships/trainings from 1 to 6 month of duration
US$ 690 for internships/trainings from 7 to 12 month of duration
US$ 890 for internships/trainings over 12 months of duration


Note: These are only the costs to issue the DS-2019 form which is absolutely required for the J-1 visa application. Later on the applicant has to pay the SEVIS fee of US$ 180,- to the Department of State and the J-1 visa fee (approx. another US$ 131,-) to the US consulate.
Please do not confuse the issue of the DS-2019 form with granting the J-1 visa! These are two different procedures of different authorities.

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Overview of the total costs to obtain the J-1 visa:
Processing fee of the DS-2019 application: Euro 60 to Interswop
Issuing the DS-2019 form: US$ 550/690/890 to the visa sponsor in the USA
SEVIS-fee: US$ 180 to the Department of State
J-1 visa fee: approx. US$ 131 to the US consulate in your home country
Visa appointment with the US consulate in your home country mainly by call centers liable to pay costs
Travel expenses for the personal visa appointment at the US consulate in your home country or jurisdiction
Total costs/sum: US$ 950 - 1.300 (Euro 700-950)

Do I have a chance to avoid these expensive visa costs?
Hardly if you really need to attend an internship/training in the US.
But the advantage of the J-1 visa is that also PAID internships/training are allowed. It depends on your negotiation skills if your US host company will not cover some of the DS-2019 form costs or maybe will pay you some remuneration. Also don´t forget that maybe all of the visa costs could be set off against tax liability..

Could I save all the visa hassle and enter the US with a tourist visa?
No! This is not allowed and totally illegal. To attend an internship or training in the USA -paid or unpaid does not matter- is only allowed with a corresponding valid J-1 visa.