J-1 secondary school student exchange: the rules (22 CFR 62.25)
The J-1 Secondary School Student program lets teenagers study at an accredited U.S. public or private high school for one or two semesters while living with a vetted host family or at an accredited boarding school. Students must be 15 to 18½ at the program start (or have completed no more than 11 years of schooling), must not have studied in the U.S. before on F-1 or J-1, and may not work except odd jobs such as babysitting.
Who issues / uses itRun by Department of State–designated sponsors (U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations). The sponsor issues the DS-2019, secures the school and host-family placement and assigns a local coordinator.
When in the processApply to a sponsor many months before the school year; the sponsor must secure written school acceptance and a host family before the student departs.
CostSponsor program fees vary and are not set by the government. Tuition depends on the school and must be agreed in writing before the DS-2019 is issued. J-1 SEVIS fee: $220.
Last checked2026-10-10
Steps
- Choose a designated sponsor (State Department sponsor search on j1visa.state.gov).
- Check eligibility: age 15 to 18 years 6 months at the program start, or no more than 11 years of primary and secondary school (kindergarten not counted); no earlier U.S. semester/year exchange or F-1/J-1 study.
- The sponsor secures written school acceptance (including any tuition arrangement) and a host family or boarding-school placement.
- Receive the DS-2019, pay the $220 SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview.
- Attend the sponsor's pre-departure orientation; you receive host family and school profiles and an ID card with emergency contacts.
Key rules (22 CFR 62.25)
- Length: at least one semester (or quarter equivalent) and at most two semesters, on the U.S. academic calendar. Starting in the spring semester needs written permission from the school.
- Eligibility: secondary school students who have completed no more than 11 years of primary and secondary school (kindergarten not counted), or who are at least 15 and not older than 18 years and 6 months at the program start. They must not have done a U.S. semester/year exchange before or studied in the U.S. on F-1 or J-1.
- School: full course of study at an accredited school; the sponsor needs prior written acceptance from the principal, including tuition arrangements. No more than five students from one sponsor per school unless the school asks in writing.
- Housing: a vetted host family (no payments to host families; never relatives) or an accredited U.S. boarding school. Host family placement must be secured before the student leaves home.
- Support: a local coordinator within 120 miles, monthly contact with the student (the first in person), and the student keeps their own passport and DS-2019.
- Work: no regular employment; occasional jobs like babysitting or yard work only.
F-1 or J-1?
J-1 is a cultural exchange of up to one year run by a sponsor. F-1 at a private (boarding) school lets a student enroll for several years and work toward a diploma. See the F-1 public school limit and the I-20 pages.
Common mistakes
- Expecting to stay more than two semesters — the program is one semester or one academic year.
- Planning to live with relatives — J-1 students may not be placed with relatives.
- Expecting a part-time job — only occasional work like babysitting or yard work is allowed.
- Assuming a diploma is guaranteed — the school decides; ask in writing.
Questions
Can a J-1 exchange student live at a boarding school?
Yes. The program covers students living with American host families or residing at accredited U.S. boarding schools.
How old must a J-1 high-school student be?
At least 15 and no older than 18 years and 6 months on the program start date, or a student who has completed no more than 11 years of schooling (not counting kindergarten).
What is the SEVIS fee for J-1 high-school students?
$220. The $35 rate is only for au pairs, camp counselors and summer work/travel.
Official sources
- 22 CFR 62.25 — Secondary school students — eCFR · checked 2026-10-10
- Secondary School Student program — U.S. Department of State, BridgeUSA · checked 2026-10-10
- 8 CFR 214.13(a)(2), (c) — J-1 SEVIS fee — eCFR · checked 2026-10-10
Information, not legal advice. We summarize public U.S. government sources in our own words; rules and fees change. Confirm with the school’s DSO (F-1), your sponsor’s Responsible Officer (J-1) or the U.S. embassy or consulate before you act.
Cite as: USAnaru™ — https://usanaru.com/documents/j1-secondary-school-student-rules