Apply for a U.S. visa for Physician (J-1) in Kosovo
Get the statement of need from your government, get a training contract, receive your Form DS-2019, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, fill in the DS-160 application, pay the U.S. visa fee $185, book the visa appointment, prepare the documents, attend the interview, the consular officer decides on your visa, pay DHL €10, get your passport, travel.
You live in Kosovo. Your passport is from Kosovo. Going to the U.S. Visa type Exchange visitor (J1). J-1 program: Physician.
The words people use most: “recommend”, “professional”, “smooth”, “clear” and “thank you”.25,1
“A very positive experience! Professional, reliable, and supportive throughout the entire process. Thanks to them, applying for a U.S. visa was much easier. The result? Visa approved! 🇺🇸✨ Highly recommended!”
VVlera Kryeziu
“I've had a wonderful experience with The A Company. Everything was handled smoothly and fast. Their advices helped us a lot!
Very professional! Totally recommend!”
LLoriana Pacarizi
“I had a great experience with A Company. They guided me through the entire visa application process, answered all my questions, and made everything simple and stress-free.
I highly recommend them to anyone looking for…”
DDina Gota
“Excellent service and great communication. The team was very helpful and explained everything clearly. Highly recommended! Thanks Nderim!”
AAlbana Muliqi
“Perfect”
SSadat Krasniqi
“BIG shoutout to Nderim for all the help with my visa application. I had a ton of questions and he was always super open and ready to help out with whatever I needed. He really made the whole process feel easy.”
GGramos Berisha
“A-COMPANY YOU"RE THE BEST 👌”
AAlberina Murati
“Everything was handled professionally and correctly!”
FFor Fun
“A very positive experience! Professional, reliable, and supportive throughout the entire process. Thanks to them, applying for a U.S. visa was much easier. The result? Visa approved! 🇺🇸✨ Highly recommended!”
VVlera Kryeziu
“I've had a wonderful experience with The A Company. Everything was handled smoothly and fast. Their advices helped us a lot!
Very professional! Totally recommend!”
LLoriana Pacarizi
“I had a great experience with A Company. They guided me through the entire visa application process, answered all my questions, and made everything simple and stress-free.
I highly recommend them to anyone looking for…”
DDina Gota
“Excellent service and great communication. The team was very helpful and explained everything clearly. Highly recommended! Thanks Nderim!”
AAlbana Muliqi
“Perfect”
SSadat Krasniqi
“BIG shoutout to Nderim for all the help with my visa application. I had a ton of questions and he was always super open and ready to help out with whatever I needed. He really made the whole process feel easy.”
GGramos Berisha
“A-COMPANY YOU"RE THE BEST 👌”
AAlberina Murati
“Everything was handled professionally and correctly!”
FFor Fun
“A very positive experience! Professional, reliable, and supportive throughout the entire process. Thanks to them, applying for a U.S. visa was much easier. The result? Visa approved! 🇺🇸✨ Highly recommended!”
VVlera Kryeziu
“I've had a wonderful experience with The A Company. Everything was handled smoothly and fast. Their advices helped us a lot!
Very professional! Totally recommend!”
LLoriana Pacarizi
“I had a great experience with A Company. They guided me through the entire visa application process, answered all my questions, and made everything simple and stress-free.
I highly recommend them to anyone looking for…”
DDina Gota
“Excellent service and great communication. The team was very helpful and explained everything clearly. Highly recommended! Thanks Nderim!”
AAlbana Muliqi
“Perfect”
SSadat Krasniqi
“BIG shoutout to Nderim for all the help with my visa application. I had a ton of questions and he was always super open and ready to help out with whatever I needed. He really made the whole process feel easy.”
GGramos Berisha
“A-COMPANY YOU"RE THE BEST 👌”
AAlberina Murati
“Everything was handled professionally and correctly!”
FFor Fun
“A very positive experience! Professional, reliable, and supportive throughout the entire process. Thanks to them, applying for a U.S. visa was much easier. The result? Visa approved! 🇺🇸✨ Highly recommended!”
VVlera Kryeziu
“I've had a wonderful experience with The A Company. Everything was handled smoothly and fast. Their advices helped us a lot!
Very professional! Totally recommend!”
LLoriana Pacarizi
“I had a great experience with A Company. They guided me through the entire visa application process, answered all my questions, and made everything simple and stress-free.
I highly recommend them to anyone looking for…”
DDina Gota
“Excellent service and great communication. The team was very helpful and explained everything clearly. Highly recommended! Thanks Nderim!”
AAlbana Muliqi
“Perfect”
SSadat Krasniqi
“BIG shoutout to Nderim for all the help with my visa application. I had a ton of questions and he was always super open and ready to help out with whatever I needed. He really made the whole process feel easy.”
GGramos Berisha
“A-COMPANY YOU"RE THE BEST 👌”
AAlberina Murati
“Everything was handled professionally and correctly!”
FFor Fun
What it costs
U.S. visa for Physician (J-1)
Fee for the U.S. visa for Physician (J-1)Paid to the U.S. Department of State, before the interview. Not refunded. Participants in some U.S. government programs do not pay it.2,3
$185
DHL's serviceThe passport with the visa delivered home. Only if the visa is approved.4
€10
The A Company's serviceThe A Company applies to your J-1 sponsor for you, pays the SEVIS I-901 fee, fills in the DS-160 application, pays the U.S. visa fee, books the visa appointment, prepares the documents for the interview, and pays DHL for passport delivery. Paid to The A Company, when the service is done.26
€100
Total€275
At the European Central Bank rate of October 14, 2026: €1 = $1.1195
Step 1: Get the statement of need from your government
It is generally provided by your country's Ministry of Health.5
Step 2: Get a training contract
Get a contract for graduate medical education from an accredited U.S. medical school or hospital, and a statement of need from the government of your country. Your sponsor then issues your Form DS-2019.6,3
Statement of need from the home governmentA letter from the government of the country of your most recent legal permanent residence. It must bear that government's seal and be signed by an official it has designated.5
Passed medical examination resultThe results of the required examinations you have passed.7
Agreement with the U.S. medical school or hospitalAn agreement or contract to provide the accredited graduate medical education, from a U.S. accredited medical school, an affiliated hospital or a scientific institution. You and the official responsible for the training must sign it.8
Sickness and accident insuranceInsurance that covers you for sickness or accidents. It must be in effect for the whole time you take part in the exchange program. Your sponsor checks that it meets the requirements.9
Step 3: Receive your Form DS-2019
Once you are accepted, you are registered in SEVIS and your sponsor issues Form DS-2019, the document you need for the J-1 visa.3
Step 4: Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Once you are told your SEVIS registration is active, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, unless your program does not require it.3
The visa application fee. It is paid from your profile in the online appointment system. By card online, in euros or in dollars, or in cash at VFS in Pristina, Lidhja e Prizrenit St., No. 20, Tophane, with the deposit slip printed from your profile and an ID. This comes before the appointment, because you can book the interview only once it is paid. Then the payment is activated within one business day and can be used to book an appointment for one year. The fee is not returned if the visa is refused. Keep the receipt number, because it cannot be replaced if lost and you need it for the appointment.2,10,11
An estimate for the wait time the U.S. Department of State publishes for F, M and J interviews at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina. Updated by the U.S. Department of State on October 21, 2026. Checked by The A Company on November 3, 2026. You book your date after paying the fee.20
Step 7: Book the visa appointment
Book the interview at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina online, on the official appointment site. You may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before your program starts.12,3
Your passport, the DS-160 confirmation, the fee receipt, and your Form DS-2019. The officer may ask for more, such as proof of your plans after the program.3
Visa appointment confirmationYour interview appointment confirmation letter. It shows that you booked your appointment through the official appointment service.13
I-901 SEVIS fee receiptProof of your I-901 SEVIS fee payment. Printed. You need it for your visa interview.14
Step 9: Attend the interview at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina
A consular officer interviews you and decides whether you qualify for the exchange visitor visa. If it is approved, a visa issuance fee may also apply.3
Step 10: The consular officer decides on your visa
If the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee, if one applies to your nationality. You are told how your passport with the visa will be returned to you.16
Step 11: Pay DHL for passport delivery (€10)
DHL takes your contact information to return your passport. You are directed to the nearest DHL office. In cash or by credit card, paid directly to DHL. Once you complete your consular service at the Embassy. The office works 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. It costs €10.4,17
If your visa is approved, the passport comes back through the courier service. You get an email or a text message once the passport is ready.18
Step 13: Travel to the United States
Do not buy airline tickets until you have received your visa. If you are allowed to enter, the CBP official gives you an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.19
Ask us about J-1 Physician
Questions? Answers.
Which exams does a J-1 physician need?
The medical examinations the National Board of Medical Examiners prepares, such as Step I and Step II, administered by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), and good spoken and written English.6
What is the statement of need for a J-1 physician?
A statement from the government of your country that it needs doctors with the skills you will train in, and your written promise to return when the training ends.6
Do I need a contract before I apply as a J-1 physician?
Yes. A U.S. accredited medical school, an affiliated hospital or a scientific institution signs an agreement with you for the graduate medical education.6
What is the U.S. exchange visitor visa (J-1)?
A visa for people approved to take part in an exchange visitor program in the United States. Its categories include au pair, camp counselor, intern, trainee, teacher, professor and research scholar, physician, college and secondary school student, and Summer Work Travel. You cannot take part in an exchange on a visitor visa or the Visa Waiver Program.3
How do I get the DS-2019 for an exchange visitor visa (J-1)?
From your program sponsor. Apply to an exchange program through a pre-approved organization in the United States. Once it accepts you, you are registered in SEVIS and the sponsor sends you the Form DS-2019. Trainees and interns also need Form DS-7002.3
What is the two-year home residency rule for the exchange visitor visa (J-1)?
If it applies to you, after your program you must live in your home country for at least 2 years in total before you can get an immigrant visa or an H, L or K visa. It applies if your program was funded by the U.S. government or your own government, if you came for graduate medical education or training, or if your field is on your country's Exchange Visitor Skills List.3
Who can take part in Summer Work Travel on an exchange visitor visa (J-1)?
College and university students enrolled full time at a school outside the United States. You may take part for up to 4 months during the long break between academic years, as the Department of State sets it. Extensions are not permitted, and a spouse may not come with you.21,22
How much does the J-1 Physician visa cost in Kosovo?
$185 to the U.S. Department of State, and €10 to DHL to bring your passport home.2,4
How do I pay the visa fee in Kosovo?
Online or at VFS. Online with a debit or credit card, or in cash at the VFS Visa Application Center in Pristina, Lidhja e Prizrenit St., No. 20, Tophane.10,11
How much is a U.S. exchange visitor visa (J-1)?
$185. If the visa is approved, an issuance fee may also apply, depending on your nationality. In a U.S. government sponsored exchange (of the Department of State, USAID or another federally funded exchange program), you and your family pay neither fee.2,3
How long is the wait for the interview for a U.S. visa for Physician (J-1) in Pristina?
In 15 days. The published wait for F, M and J interviews in Pristina, when last updated on October 21, 2026.20
Can I apply in Skopje or Tirana instead?
Generally no. Apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country of your nationality or where you live, and be able to show you live there if that is why you apply there. Elsewhere it may be more difficult to qualify, and the fee is not refunded or transferred.23
When can I enter the United States on an exchange visitor visa (J-1)?
No earlier than 30 days before your program start date. To arrive earlier you need a separate visitor (B) visa and a change of status from USCIS, approved before your program starts. Apply early: interview wait times vary.3
How long can I stay in the United States after an exchange visitor program (J-1)?
30 days after your program ends, to settle your affairs and leave. In that time you are no longer in J status: you may not work or continue the program, and you should not leave the United States, as you may not be let back in. If your sponsor ends your program for just cause, there is no grace period and you must leave at once.22,24
Which documents do I need for a U.S. exchange visitor visa (J-1)?
Your passport, the DS-160 confirmation page, the fee receipt if you paid before the interview, and your Form DS-2019. Trainees and interns also bring Form DS-7002. The embassy may also ask for proof of the purpose of your travel, that you will leave the United States after it, and that you can pay its costs.3
Still have a question?
Official sources
Every fact on this page comes from an official page. Last checked on . Rules change.