The "J" visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. The "J" exchange visitor program is designed to promote the interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills in the fields of education, arts and sciences. Participants include professors coming to teach or carry out research at institutions of higher learning; research scholars; professional trainees in the medical and allied fields; and international visitors coming for the purpose of traveling, observing, consulting, conducting research, training, sharing or demonstrating specialized knowledge or skills. As your designated sponsoring institution, The Ohio State University will issue you a Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor). Your host department will mail the documentation to you so that you may submit a visa application to the US consulate in your home country. After receiving your Form DS-2019, you must pay the SEVIS fee of $100 and obtain a receipt before applying for the J-1 visa.