When you apply for a J-1 student visa under the College and University Student Program category, you can study at a college or university in the US and remain in the country for the duration of your course or degree program.

The duration of your stay in the US on a J-1 student visa depends on the program you choose to pursue. For example, if your J-1 visa is for a Camp Counselor program, you likely will have a short stay in the US (e.g., four months, over the summer), whereas Au Pair and Research Scholar programs could require J-1 visas that are valid for several years in the US.