Advice for 2026 J-1 Visa Participants
This year has brought continued changes to U.S. Department of State BridgeUSA programs, including the Au Pair, Camp Counselor, Intern, Trainee, and Summer Work Travel programs that InterExchange sponsors. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about participating in 2026.
I’m planning to visit the United States this summer. Can I schedule an interview for my J-1 Visa?
Yes. U.S. Embassies resumed scheduling new J-1 visa interviews on June 18, 2025, after a brief pause between May 27 and June 18, 2025. You can learn more about scheduling your J-1 visa interview on the U.S. Embassy website for your country. Learn more about scheduling your J-1 Visa interview.
Please note: if you are a national of a country currently subject to U.S. travel restrictions, your ability to obtain a J-1 visa may be affected. Check whether your country is on the restricted list before applying.
What has changed about the visa interview process?
As of June 2025, the U.S. government updated its process for reviewing visa applicants’ online presence. All J-1 visa applicants must now set their social media profiles to “public” before their interview. Consular officers will review your online activity as part of the screening process. They look for content that suggests hostility toward the United States, its government, or its people, as well as support for extremist organizations or antisemitic views.
Because of this additional review, visa processing may take longer than in previous years. Plan ahead and apply as early as possible.
What should I do if I cannot make my program's start date due to the wait times for a visa interview?
Contact InterExchange and your host right away. Some hosts can accommodate a later start date, but others may not have that flexibility.
Is InterExchange still operating its programs?
Yes, we are operating all programs as usual.
I already have my J-1 Visa. Will I have any problems entering the United States?
Most participants enter the United States without issues. However, you should be prepared for additional screening when you arrive. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may ask about your social media and may request to see your phone or other devices. You are not required to share passwords for locked devices, but be aware that refusing to cooperate may affect your entry.
I’m already in the USA on my J-1 program. Do I need to worry about my status?
Continue following the rules of your program as you normally would. If you plan to travel outside the United States and return, expect additional screening when you re-enter. If your J-1 visa has expired, travel outside the U.S. is not recommended until you can apply for a new one.
What do I do if I’m detained by U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents?
CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers may stop travelers they have questions about. If this happens to you:
- Stay calm.
- Provide your travel documents: passport, J-1 visa, DS-2019 form, and I-94 record.
- Answer questions truthfully. At a port of entry, officers have broad authority to ask questions, and refusing to cooperate can result in denied entry.
- Do not sign any documents you do not understand. Ask for clarification first.
- Contact InterExchange as soon as you have the opportunity.