Will J-1 Applications Increase After Recent H1B Modifications?

In September 2025, the Trump administration announced modifications to the current H1B work visa program. The most notable detail about this change was that employers will need to pay an exorbitant fee of $100,000 per year for each H1B work visa holder that an employer would sponsor. The presidential proclamation of Sept 19, 2025 imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions effective Sept 21, 2025.

This major policy shift raises important questions about how both employers and prospective visa applicants will respond. Could this lead to an increase in J-1 visa applications after the recent modifications to the H1B work visa program? And if so, what is that trend going to look like in detail? Let's first understand why the J-1 visa has already been an attractive alternative.

Why the J-1 visa has been a popular option The J-1 visa program (officially an exchange visitor visa) is designed for young professionals and students from abroad who wish to gain professional experience or training in the United States. It provides temporary access for career development. The J-1 visa is more affordable, faster to obtain, and less administratively complex compared the H1B work visa. Employers are not required to sponsor J-1 participants directly, which saves both time and financial resources to the company.

What will the recent H1B changes mean for employers?

• Reduced interest in international hires: many companies are likely to shift focus away from international students on F-1 visas and skilled professionals residing outside the USA.

• Increased domestic recruitment: employers may prioritize hiring US citizens and permanent residents.

• Exploring alternative visa programs: organizations are expected to explore more cost-effective visa categories, which includes the J-1 visa program.

What will the recent H1B changes mean for individuals?

• Shift toward other countries: individuals will start to consider other countries for their international career development. The new $100,000 annual fee may be beneficial for countries like Canada that has been in favor of taking in individuals from abroad for a long time.

• Decline in international student enrollment in the USA: prospective international students may reconsider pursuing degrees in the USA, as the F-1 student visa is no longer a reliable route to long-term employment under the H1B work visa program. Those who are coming as an international student are now more likely expected to leave the USA after graduating and/or after OPT (temporary work authorization after graduation).

• Interest in alternative visa options: many individuals will start to explore other visa categories, including the J-1 visa. This options remains accessible and practical for students and recent graduates abroad.

As we can see, there is a shared trend to explore the J-1 visa for both employers and individuals. However, this remains only a realistic option to those who are living outside the United States as J-1 visa regulations require individuals to be enrolled in a post-secondary academic institution outside the United States, or recently having graduated from one.

Can J-1 visas run out?

Technically, J-1 visas can run out, but this has always been highly unlikely so far. The US Department of State allocates a certain number of DS-2019 forms to designated J-1 visa sponsors each year. A DS-2019 form is the document required to apply for a J-1 visa which Correspond.info will assist you in obtaining. The exact number of DS-2019 forms issued per sponsor is not publicly disclosed. However, major sponsors have historically received enough to meet demand. Depending on what the number is, there will always be a possibility this might change if there is a big increase in J-1 visa applications in 2026.

Final outlook At Correspond.info, we anticipate a notable increase in J-1 visa applications in 2026 as both employers and international young professionals seek practical alternatives to the H1B work visa program. Although sponsor organizations face annual limits on DS-2019 allocations, it is unlikely that these quotas will be exhausted. Nonetheless, 2026 application data will eventually provide insight into whether this prediction holds true.