This information is correct at the time of publication. We’ll update this page as embassy conditions change. However, appointment availability, security requirements and processing times may change without notice. Always check your local U.S. Embassy website for the most current guidance.
Country‑specific updates
Click a country below to view current appointment availability and guidance. Status colours show how urgently you need to act.
Australia — Status: ● Appointments only in some territories — click to expand ▼
Key updates for Australian applicants:
- No appointments showing: If the calendar displays “No Available Appointments,” submit a Request/Feedback form through your visa appointment profile. Attach your DS‑2019 and camp contract and explain that you need to book a J‑1 appointment but no slots are available.
- Check frequently: Appointment slots appear unpredictably. Check daily at different times — new slots are taken immediately.
- Passport return time: Passport processing and return may take up to two weeks.
- Issuance/Reciprocity Fee: All Australian passport holders must pay an additional fee at the time of their visa appointment. The payment method differs between the Sydney, Melbourne and Perth consulates.
- Watch for two consulate emails:
- You will receive two emails before your appointment—anywhere from 2 to 10 days beforehand.
- Check your inbox, spam and junk folders.
- Subject lines may include “DO NOT REPLY”.
- Emails include location‑specific instructions, including how to pay the issuance/reciprocity fee.
- You must read these emails carefully and bring all required items.
- Failure to follow these instructions can result in being denied entry or having your visa refused.
- Questions about fees or documents: If you are unsure how to pay your fee or what to bring, submit a Request/Feedback support case via the U.S. Consulate website where you booked your appointment.
For non‑Australian citizens applying in Australia:
- You must bring printed proof of your current Australian visa status (VEVO check).
- Your VEVO record must be recently retrieved from the Department of Home Affairs:
https://online.immi.gov.au/evo/firstParty?actionType=queryhttps://online.immi.gov.au/evo/firstParty?actionType=query - If unsure whether you need a VEVO printout, submit a Request/Feedback case via the same consulate website where you booked your appointment.
Ireland — Status: ● Only one date available — click to expand ▼
Key updates for Irish applicants:
- March 25th is currently the only available J‑1 appointment date.
- Additional dates may open, but nothing is guaranteed.
Action: Book immediately once your DS‑2019 is issued — do not delay.
New Zealand — Status: ● Emergency appointments only — click to expand ▼
Key updates for New Zealand applicants:
- Available calendar dates fall too late for summer start times.
- Book the next available date, then request an emergency appointment.
- Emergency appointments are being granted when applicants provide camp start and travel dates.
Action: Move quickly — emergency appointment requests require proof of timelines.
United Kingdom — Status: ● Good availability (for now) — click to expand ▼
Key updates for UK applicants:
- Appointments currently available: Tuesday–Friday through the end of April.
- Total appointment supply will still be lower than expected demand.
- No postal renewals means more applicants requiring in‑person interviews.
Action: Book before the end of March to avoid the spring bottleneck.
Other Embassies — Status: ● Varies — click to expand ▼
Some embassies currently show no J‑1 appointment availability. Contact our team for guidance based on your country of residence.
What all applicants need to know
The updates below apply to every J‑1 applicant for 2026.
New U.S. social‑media screening
- You must list all social media accounts and usernames from the last 5 years.
- Accounts must remain public during your visa process.
- Consular officers may review publicly available content.
- Your online presence is treated as public information — ensure anything tied to your name is accurate and professional.
Fewer appointment slots globally
- 2026 demand is high and slots are filling early.
- Embassies may pause or limit appointment releases without warning.
- Delays may occur at booking, document review or security checks.
No postal option for returning applicants
- All applicants — including returning J‑1 participants — must attend an in‑person appointment.
You must apply in your country of residence
- Your passport must match your country of application, or you must hold valid residency (student/work). Tourist/visitor statuses do not count.
What to do now
- Complete every part of your application early.
- Accept your placement promptly so your DS‑2019 can be issued.
- Make all required payments without delay.
- Be ready to book your embassy appointment as soon as your DS‑2019 arrives.
Important reminder
Embassy appointments for 2026 are limited and may fill earlier than normal. Completing your steps quickly is the best way to secure your visa on time.
Your speed matters. The sooner you complete your application, the sooner we can issue your DS‑2019 and the earlier you can book your interview.
If you have questions, our support teams are here to help.
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