J-1 Financial Support

The J-1 exchange visa requires a minimum amount of financial support (net income) for individuals and J-2 dependents. Financial support must be verified for the entire length of your prospective visitor’s stay. 

Your J-1 exchange visitor's source of financial support could be a Cornell salary, personal or family funds, a grant or scholarship, or other acceptable means described below. 

The department or unit must supply salary information during the visa application process if the visitor will be paid. If the visitor will not be paid by Cornell, proof of independent financial support is required. The department is responsible for maintaining proof of financial support for at least five years after the visitor's J-1 program end date.

Support by Location

The minimum level of financial support is assessed biannually by location. The minimum amount does not include the cost of required health insurance and may not be enough to supply some visitors’ living needs. A person meeting only the minimum requirements, for example, may need to seek a shared housing situation. 

Ithaca and Geneva

• $2,700 per month for J-1 exchange visitor
• $1,200 per month for J-2 spouse 
• $500 per month for one child and $400 per month for each additional child, if J-2 spouse will provide childcare 
• $1,100 per month per child, if visitor is coming without J-2 spouse 

New York City and Washington D.C. 

• $3,000 per month for J-1 exchange visitor
• $1,200 per month for J-2 spouse 
• $500 per month for one child and $400 per month for each additional child, if J-2 spouse will provide childcare 
• $1,200 per child, if visitor is coming without J-2 spouse 

For Self-Funded Visitors: Proof of Financial Support

Visitors not paid by Cornell must demonstrate proof of financial support through one of these acceptable means. 

Personal Funds (Two Options)

Personal Account 

• The visitor must provide a bank statement or letter. The document must be no more than six months old and have the prospective J-1 exchange visitor's name on it. 

Immediate Family Support

• The visitor must provide a bank statement or letter. The document must be no more than six months old and have the immediate family member's name on it. 
• The visitor must also provide a signed letter from the immediate family member specifying the relationship and amount of money provided to the prospective visitor.

Award, Grant, or Scholarship

• The visitor must provide an official signed approval letter on letterhead that lists the amount awarded, conditions of the award, and period of time for which funding is guaranteed.

Home Country Employer

• The visitor must provide an official signed sponsorship letter on the employer's letterhead that lists the amount available for the time at Cornell and period of time for which funding is guaranteed.