J1 (Exchange student visitor) visa application documents

Passport
One photograph
Original DS-156, nonimmigrant visa application form.
Original DS-157, supplemental nonimmigrant visa application form.
Original DS-158.
Visa Fees
Application fee and service charge to be paid in advance at participating HDFC bank before taking an appointment.
Visa fee receipt issued by HDFC bank with two bar code stickers to be carried to the consulate at the time of interview.
Interview appointment letter.
Sample

Photocopies of the first page, address page and last page of your current Passport.
All pages of original SEVIS generated Form DS-2019 in original, approved and signed by your sponsor organization in the U.S.

All students, as well as their spouse and dependent children (everyone that is applying for the U.S. visa) must be registered in SEVIS. Your sponsor organization is responsible for entering your information for the Form DS-2019 into SEVIS.
Copy of Form DS-2019.
Proof of payment of SEVIS Fee Receipt I-901, if applicable.
Evidence of financial resources.

Any financial documentation you provide should be in support of this.

To establish your financial resources, you should bring to the Consulate:
- Original tax returns for the past 3 years (specifically Form 16).
- Original bank records for the past 3 years, and/or fixed deposit statement of your parent or sponsor. (Although anyone may sponsor your education, the Consular Officer will be more convinced if your parent or close family member finances your studies)
- If you receive a scholarship, it is noted on the form and favorably considered by the Officer.
The US Consulate discourages applicants from bringing property deeds or certified copies of financial documents. Only bring financial documents that can support your or your sponsor's claim that your studies in the U.S. will be fully funded.
If you are being funded by an Organization (Indian or American), a letter from the organization explaining what funding will be provided.
Original Bachelor degree transcripts or high school diploma along with mark sheets from previous institutions attended.
IMPORTANT: If you are applying for a J-visa under a US Government (G) program, you are exempted from all fees. Further, you will need to apply directly at the US Embassy or Consulate.