J-1

J-1 US Exchange Visitor Visa for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa for exchange visitor programs. It is designed for Kazakhstan citizens participating in approved cultural, educational, and professional exchange programs, including internships, research, teaching, training, and cultural exchange.
This visa remains available in 2026.

What the J-1 visa allows

• Participation in approved exchange visitor programs

• Internships and trainee programs

• Academic research and teaching

• Cultural exchange and professional development

• Temporary employment only within the approved program

All activities must strictly follow the official program description.

What the J-1 visa does NOT allow

• Employment outside the approved exchange program

• Independent work or freelancing

• Staying beyond the program duration without authorization

• Permanent residence or direct immigration intent

Any activity outside program terms is a violation of status.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens can apply for a J-1 visa if they can prove:

• Acceptance into an approved U.S. exchange program

• Clear exchange purpose aligned with program goals

• Sufficient financial support

• Intention to return to Kazakhstan after program completion

The exchange must be temporary and genuine.

What visa officers really check

During the interview, officers primarily evaluate:

• Relevance of the program to the applicant’s background

• Credibility of the sponsor organization

• Funding sources and financial stability

• Post-program plans

• Compliance with non-immigrant intent

Officers assess whether the program is being used as a migration shortcut.

Validity and stay rules

• Visa validity is tied to the program duration

• Authorized stay is based on Duration of Status (D/S)

• Grace period after completion: up to 30 days

• Staying after status expiration is a violation

Visa validity does not override status rules.

Employment and program rules

• Employment is allowed only within the approved J-1 program

• Work conditions are defined by the sponsor

• Program changes require sponsor approval

• Unauthorized work leads to termination of status

The sponsor controls compliance.

Two-year home residency requirement

Some J-1 programs are subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement, which means:

• The participant must return to Kazakhstan for at least two years after program completion

• Certain U.S. visas cannot be obtained during this period without a waiver

This requirement depends on program type and funding.

Common reasons for refusal

Most refusals happen due to:

• Weak explanation of exchange purpose

• Poor connection between program and background

• Insufficient funding

• Unclear post-program plans

• Suspected immigration intent

Clear exchange logic improves approval chances.

How to apply

The process includes:

• Acceptance into an approved exchange program

• Receiving Form DS-2019

• Paying the SEVIS fee

• Completing the DS-160 form

• Attending a visa interview

• Receiving a decision

Approval depends on program credibility and applicant profile.

Important note for 2026

• J-1 visas are available for Kazakhstan citizens in 2026

• Immigration visa restrictions do not affect exchange visitor visas

• Program compliance is strictly enforced

Unsure if you should apply now?

Before applying, it is recommended to assess your exchange visa risk.
A professional evaluation helps identify risks and choose the right timing.

Additional conditions

Employment is allowed only as part of the approved exchange program and under sponsor supervision.

The J-1 visa is temporary and does not provide a direct path to permanent residence.

An interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate is mandatory for almost all applicants from Kazakhstan.