The Program was established under provisions of the Mutual Education and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 and is regulated by the United States Department of State. An IAP-66 form issued by the Graduate Center is needed to obtain this status. Some Exchange Visitor Program participants may be required to return home for at least two years after completing their programs before they can change or adjust to certain nonimmigrant or immigrant statuses. This is called the two-year home residency requirement.
More information is available at U.S. consulate offices.
An accompanying spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age of the Exchange Visitor enters the U.S. on a J-2 visa. They must meet the same health insurance requirements as the J-1 exchange visitor. While Visiting Exchange Visitors are limited by government regulations in the type of employment they may accept. Authorization for any incidental employment must be obtained from the sponsor prior to any employment activity.