There are many different types of J1 visa programs for a wide variety of activities such as to study, research, visit, teach, demonstrate special skills, train, work under an internship, etc.
| Program | Maximum Duration |
| Au Pair Program | 12 months. Extension of 6, 9, or 12 months is possible. |
| Camp Counselors | 4 months. No extensions. |
| College and University Student Program | Bachelor/Master degree: 18 months Post Doctoral: 36 months Non-degree: 24 months |
| Government Visitor Program | 18 months |
| Intern Program | 12 months |
| International Visitor Program | 12 months |
| Physician Program | Duration of residency program. Maximum 7 years. |
| Professor and Research Scholar Program | Maximum – 5 years, Minimum – 3 weeks |
| Secondary School Student Program | 12 months |
| Short Term Scholar Program | 6 months |
| Specialist Program | 12 months |
| Summer Work Travel Program | 4 months |
| Teacher Program | 3 years |
| Trainee Program | Agriculture, Hospitality: 12 months Others: 18 months |
As you can see from the table above, the maximum duration of any J-1 program is 7 years.
You should carefully choose the right category. Choosing the wrong J-1 category may create problems and may prevent you from being able to change plans to remain at a particular organization or transfer to another organization. It can even affect your ability to return to the U.S. again on the J-1 visa.
Pilot Programs
There are several pilot programs specifically for the citizens of specific countries:
Summer Work/Travel: Australians, New Zealanders
Intern Work/Travel: Irish
Work/English Study/Travel: South Koreans
2011 Pilot Summer Work Travel Program for Belarus, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Russia and Ukraine
